‘In Memory Woodland’

Long Grove Park

Turf has been lifted at the site of our ‘In Memory Woodland’, and the project is officially underway!

Age Concern Epsom & Ewell is thrilled to announce that the first ground has been broken for our new community project in Long Grove Park, Epsom. In October, a team from the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board were on-site to outline and start digging the first planting areas for our ‘In Memory Woodland’. Over the coming months, this woodland will take shape in the south-western corner of Long Grove Park, featuring a variety of mixed woodland trees such as Elm, Silver Birch, Rowan, Cherry, and Pine, along with woodland bulbs.

The woodland has been years in the making. Following extensive community engagement and receiving tremendous local support, we are excited to begin bringing the ‘In Memory Woodland’ to life, thanks to funding from Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey scheme, the provision of space by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, and the design and planting efforts of the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board.

Feedback from local residents during the consultation phase includes:

“I think it is a lovely idea and will be beneficial to the local neighbourhood, wildlife and future generations.”

“I’ve often felt that there is little tree cover – in particular on hot summer days when we take a picnic to enjoy outside. This will be a fantastic addition to the overall amenities of this well loved green space.”

 “I am…delighted by the choice of trees – using natives and a combination of smaller and larger trees. This will help sustain our local wildlife in a time when we need to provide as much habitat as possible.”

 “A memorial woodland with benches would do much to comfort those of us who are grieving – go anywhere there is nature there are always little ones getting muddy and playing hide and seek – it reminds us that life goes on in the best of ways.”

The Age Concern Epsom & Ewell ‘In Memory Woodland’ will provide a serene space in nature for our community to remember and reflect on loved ones we have lost. Visitors will find themselves in a tranquil, growing woodland—a space for contemplation and a connection to the cycle of life all around.

We are eager to keep you updated on the progress of this project.

Please check this page regularly for the latest news. If you’re interested in learning more, getting involved, or discovering how you can contribute, please get in touch.

‘In Memory Woodland’ at Long Grove Park – November Update

The woodland has been planted with additional trees, ready to settle in and establish their roots.

During the autumn/winter season the time has been perfect for planting trees in our exciting new community project at Long Grove Park, Epsom. During this time we were thrilled to welcome a generous group of local volunteers who joined forces with our partners, the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board, to dig, plant, and nurture a wide variety of tree species at the Age Concern Epsom & Ewell ‘In Memory Woodland’.

In the coming months, this woodland will begin to take shape in the southwestern corner of Long Grove Park, featuring a rich diversity of mixed woodland trees such as Elm, Silver Birch, Rowan, Cherry, and Pine, alongside an array of woodland bulbs.

Despite the rain, the team – bundled up against the elements – worked tirelessly, digging in the soft earth to increase the number of green trees in our borough. Their dedicated efforts will support the success of the project, with additional mulching and ongoing care planned in the coming months.

The ‘In Memory Woodland’ project is made possible thanks to the generous funding from Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey scheme, the support of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in providing the space, and the expert design and planting efforts of the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board.

This woodland will serve as a serene and peaceful space for the community – a place where individuals can come together to remember and reflect on the loved ones we have lost. Visitors will find solace in this tranquil, growing sanctuary, a space for quiet contemplation, connection, and a reminder of the cycle of life.

We are excited to share the continued progress of this meaningful project and invite you to stay updated by checking this page regularly. If you’re interested in learning more, participating, or contributing in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.