First trees planted at memorial near Chesterfield to remember lives lost in pandemic

A ceremony saw Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor Barry Lewis and civic chair Coun Jean Wharmby plant a Japanese flowering cherry tree at the authority’s Grassmoor Country Park near Chesterfield.

MORE: Investigations underway into death of Derbyshire police officer

An avenue of oak trees has already been planted at the site.

Coun Lewis said: “The idea for the memorial parkland came from a lady who contacted me during the pandemic and had lost loved ones to Covid-19 and wanted somewhere to remember them and celebrate their lives.

“From that conversation the idea grew, and what we will have as the trees grow is a beautiful, green, peaceful space where people will be able to sit, walk, reflect and remember.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been part of the ceremony to mark the first trees being planted and very pleased we have been able to make this happen.”

Coun Wharmby said: “This has been an incredibly poignant and moving event to officially mark the start of our memorial parkland, which will grow and grow.

“So many of us have been affected by Covid-19 and sadly many have experienced the loss of someone close to them.

“While we know the pandemic is far from over, we are beginning the process of recovery and healing, and the start of the memorial parkland is part of that process.

“In years to come people will be able to visit this area of Grassmoor Country Park and remember and celebrate the lives of those who were lost.

“It already feels like a truly special place,” she added.

The creation of the memorial parkland was agreed by the county council in September and is supported by the Friends of Grassmoor Country Park.

The Friends of Grassmoor Country Park group has agreed to help the county council with the planting and maintenance of the memorial parkland which will contribute to the authority’s target of planting a million trees by 2030.

MORE: Holmewood bomb squad incident: Man in his 60s remains released on bail

Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/subscriptions