Trees will be planted in Mill Hill Park to memorialise the lives lost to the pandemic.

500 native trees are to be planted in the new Memorial Woodland over the coming weekend when residents have been invited to join in the tree planting.

The woodland is due to open in Spring 2022 and will feature walkways and a seating area to encourage reflection of those people, and their families, who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will be one of many Memorial Woodlands that have been planted across the UK over the last year in an effort to help societies heal in the wake of an unprecedented two years.

Many lives have been lost to Covid-19 already and, as of today, four more deaths were recorded in Barnet. So far, 813 people have died in the area (number accurate to Friday 26th November) – up from 809 on Thursday.

Trees will be planted to help Barnet residents deal with this loss. Communal memorialisation processes are often used as a way to help societies transition in the wake of mass tragedies like war. The pandemic has, undoubtedly, marked the lives of many. It follows that a memorial is a necessary step to help the community heal by recognising the destruction the pandemic has wrought.

The longevity of the woodland will be ensured with a five-year plan to keep the space clean and safe. Making the woodland a marker of the times we have lived through for many years to come.

The council have told all of those who are keen to attend the tree planting to provide a negative lateral flow test. On the day, photos will be taken and a consent form will be provided to those planting the trees.

Volunteer planting will occur at Mill Hill Park, Flower Lane Extension:

Saturday 27th between 11:00am – 15:00pm: Wider volunteers and members of the public. Sunday 28th between 11:00am – 15:00pm: Wider volunteers and members of the public.