Eighty oak trees are being planted to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, symbolising strength, resilience and longevity.
The commemorative site, named the 80 Oaks Labyrinth, has been designed as a classical labyrinth made up of continuous circular paths bordered by green and red oak trees. It spans 90 metres in diameter and is located on the north side of the park, near Hook Woods.
Lydiard Park, which is owned by Swindon Borough Council, played a key role during the war. It was used as an American station hospital for the 101st Airborne Division, treating soldiers injured during D-Day, before later becoming a Prisoner of War hospital for up to 200 Germans. It also served as a training site for the Great Western Railway Home Guard.
Visitors will be able to learn more about this history from a new display board near the labyrinth.
The project is funded through the Government’s Trees for Climate initiative and delivered in partnership with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, which provided the trees and is overseeing the planting with the help of volunteers and local community groups.
Last week, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Minister for Nature Mary Creagh joined Swindon Borough Council representatives to plant one of the oak trees.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “The new 80 Oaks Labyrinth is a fitting tribute to the important role that Lydiard Park played during the Second World War.
“It is a poignant way to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, creating a tranquil space in nature where present and future visitors to Lydiard Park can reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces made on our behalf.”
Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader and Ambassador for the Council’s Greener Swindon mission, said:
“Lydiard Park provides a perfect, peaceful setting for the 80 Oaks Labyrinth and I am sure it will be appreciated by the thousands of families and visitors who flock to Lydiard Park throughout the year.
“Our green spaces across the Borough are so important and improving them with new tree planting is great news for the environment and supports our mission to build a greener Swindon.”
Becki Mckinlay, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are honoured to have been involved in the partnership that has created this remarkable memorial at Lydiard Park.
“The 80 Oaks Labyrinth is a beautiful way to recognise the immense sacrifices of the men and women who served during the Second World War.
“Trees are a living, lasting tribute, and this project, supported by the Trees for Climate initiative and the dedication of our community planting groups, creates space for residents to connect with nature whilst taking time to remember, and helping to build a greener Swindon.”
The 80 Oaks Labyrinth will officially open to the public on Sunday 16 November.
