Plans to plant a living memorial to mark centenary
Plans have been revealed to create a living memorial in a Maidstone village to mark a century years since the end of the First World War.
If successful, the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust scheme would see 100 trees planted in the meadow off Culpeper Close, forming an avenue of remembrance.
Hawthorns have been chosen, with their white flowers representing peace and their red berries symbolising blood.
The project is still in its infancy, and the charity remains in talks with the Royal British Legion, but it is estimated it would cost in the region of £30,000 to plant and maintain for the first five to six years.
But ranger, Ben Williams, said he would like to see fundraising hit £100,000 in line with the 100th year commemorations – with any money not used on the memorial being split between the Poppy Appeal and the Trust itself. Mr Williams said: “The trees will start as little seedlings, but as they grow bigger the intention would be for them to entwine together in order to symbolise the experiences of the young, naive soldiers being bonded together during the war.
“Our aim is to create a living, growing commemoration, which will boost the biodiversity and wildlife and also help our charity and the Poppy Appeal. I think remembering the First World War, and the trauma of it, is important so that it doesn’t happen again.”
The trust has looked after conservation of the meadow since 2004 when the land above the high-speed rail tunnel, on both sides of the road into Hollingbourne, was put up for auction and scores of residents clubbed together to find the £22,000 needed to secure its future.
The charity has already planted more than 100 native trees there, many of which carry plaques to remember specific occasions such as births and anniversaries in the village.