Many people have not been able to say a proper goodbye to loved ones, and so memorial trees can provide a physical place to remember, reflect and celebrate someone special for generations to come.

What began as a tribute to the late Bill Blackledge, passionate horticulturist and former Chair of North West in Bloom, has blossomed into a UK-wide effort to mark this difficult period. Many groups in the region have planted trees and even orchards in his honour, spurring on the idea for a national tree planting initiative.

The RHS is encouraging anyone who would like to remember a loved one who passed away during the pandemic to plant a tree (or trees) in a fitting tribute to those who were passionate about gardening.

The trees of those participating will be added to a new Roots of Remembrance tree map to demonstrate the mass tree planting effort.