Oak tree planted at The Countess of Chester Country Park to commemorate end of the Second World War

A special oak tree has been planted at The Countess of Chester Country Park, as part of The Mersey Forest's Oaks at 80 project, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Oaks at 80 project aims to honour the service men, women and civilians who played their part in defending our country and way of life during the war.

Taking place throughout 2025, 80 years since the end of the Second World War, the project encourages communities across the region to plant oak trees, creating a lasting commemoration that will benefit the environment for generations to come.

Oak trees, symbolise strength, resilience, and longevity, and have traditionally marked 80-year milestones, making them a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made during this period.

The oak tree at The Countess of Chester Country Park, was planted near to the Fallen for the Fallen Bench, a carved bench set within the country park which is at the end of a three-kilometre trail commemorating the soldiers who lived in the area and lost their lives during the First World War. The tree was kindly donated and planted by the Life for a Life Memorial Forest charity, which has a site within the park.

The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park, who organised the event,  welcomed representatives from Life for a Life Memorial Forest, The Mersey Forest, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), The Land Trust, SSAFA, RECORD, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the NHS, local councillors, the Swettenham Foundation and members of the 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment, based at the nearby Dale Barracks, and the local community for the planting on the 24 January, 2025.

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said:

“Planting an oak tree in this popular park in Chester will serve as a fitting reminder of those who gave their lives for our freedom during the Second World War. We’d like to thank Lieutenant Colonel John Greener from the 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment and the Friends of The Countess of Chester Park group for setting up the event and helping us to plant the tree. We can’t wait to see more added to communities across the area over the course of the year.”

Andy Scargill, the Chair of the Friends group, said:

“Attending the launch of the Oaks at 80 project at Calderstones Park, in November last year, inspired us to want to plant an Oak in our own park and siting it near to the Fallen for the Fallen memorial bench seemed an obvious choice of location. We would like to especially thank Life for a Life Memorial Forest for, not only donating a tree, but also planting it for us.”

Lieutenant Colonel John Greener from the 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment, said:

“It was an enormous honour being invited to plant the commemorative oak tree and unveil the plaque for the Oaks at 80 project. 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment’s antecedent units were heavily involved throughout the war; in the Middle East; Italy; and North West Europe. Being able to participate in events like this, continues to deepen our ties with the local community and we’re grateful to be invited to take part.”

Individuals, schools, and community groups in Cheshire and Merseyside are invited to participate in the Oaks at 80 project by planting oaks in their own communities. They can do so by growing oaks from seed or by getting in touch with The Mersey Forest to source a tree on their behalf.

To learn more about the Oaks at 80 project, please visit: 

The Mersey Forest website

For more information, email:

mail@merseyforest.org.uk

About The Mersey Forest:

The Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces spread across Cheshire and Merseyside, which has been creating 'woodlands on your doorstep' for 30 years.

The Forest is one of the leading environmental regeneration initiatives in the North West. Through community and partnership working, we have planted nearly 10 million trees.

The Forest helps our towns and cities adapt to climate change; creates woodlands that 20% of local people visit at least once a week and helps improve the image of our towns and cities.

We achieve all of this and more through our partnership of Local Authorities, landowners, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, the Environment Agency and businesses.

Pictured - Lt Col Greener, Andy Scargill and Paul Nolan planting the new oak tree.