A new tree planting project is under way at Haweswater which allows people to mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one while helping to restore the landscape and support upland wildlife.
The Celebration Wood is being created by nature conservation charity the RSPB, which since 2012 has been working around the reservoir in partnership with landowner United Utilities to improve water quality, connect people to the landscape and make the area as rich in wildlife as possible.
People can choose their tree from a selection of native species including sessile oak, alder, willow, and rowan – many grown on site at Haweswater’s tree nursery.
The RSPB’s dedicated team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance and suggest the most suitable planting location. A loved one’s ashes can be buried underneath a tree as part of the planting ceremony.
A pair of personalised ceramic tree markers are produced to accompany each new tree in Celebration Wood — one to hang on the tree’s branches, the other to keep.
Donations will be used to cover the costs of purchasing and caring for the tree, maintaining the wood and supporting the wider conservation work at Haweswater.
Bea Normington, Celebration Wood officer for the RSPB at Haweswater, said: “Planting a tree in Haweswater’s Celebration Wood is a wonderful way to create a long lasting connection with this beautiful landscape, perhaps to remember the life of a friend or family member, or to mark a marriage, the birth of a child or even a special holiday.
“Celebration Wood will mean something different to everyone, but for all it will be a peaceful place for reflection and communion with nature.”
The new wood at Haweswater will play an important role in restoring the landscape and supporting the site’s special wildlife, including red squirrels, badgers, pied flycatchers and great spotted woodpeckers.
Matthew Scott was the first RSPB supporter to plant a tree in the wood. He said: “Celebration Wood is such a special place for the rowan tree I planted to celebrate the life of my beloved wife. Bea handled all the arrangements with great efficiency, sensitivity and kindness, and the whole RSPB team were very welcoming on planting day. The ceramic tree markers are beautiful. I’m so glad I chose to plant a commemoration tree at Haweswater.”
