39,000 trees for 2039
We want to ensure our cemeteries, memorials and their surrounding landscapes are healthy, climate-resilient and biodiverse, whilst remaining places of deep meaning. By committing to planting 39,000 trees for 2039 across our global estate, we recognise our responsibility to capture more carbon and support thriving natural habitats.
What is 39,000 trees for 2039?
As part of our long-term commitment to sustainability, we will be planting 39,000 trees across our global estate.
Carefully mapped and planned, this programme is designed to shape a healthier, more climate resilient landscape across our cemeteries and memorials, respecting the heritage, horticultural and geographical diversity of our sites worldwide.
Our Director of Horticulture, David Richardson, said: “We are proud to be launching this incredible project to plant 39,000 trees all over the world, by 2039, which marks a century since the start of the Second World War.
“As world leaders in commemoration and as a significant global employers of expert horticulturists and gardeners , we want to ensure our cemeteries, memorials and their surrounding landscapes are beautiful healthy, climate-resilient and biodiverse, whilst remaining places of deep meaning.”
How will the project be achieved?
Much of the planting can be split into two categories – the creation of woodland and copse areas using young tree seedlings (whips) and specimen planting that will see carefully selected plantings of open-grown trees, carefully selected to compliment the original architectural designs.
Species selection will be guided by leading data sources including Botanic Gardens Conservation International, The Tree Council, Forestry Commission and RBG Kew, ensuring ecological suitability and long-term viability.
The first plantings
The initial plantings will take place across a carefully selected, diverse range of sites across the world.
Throughout the programme, we’re implementing advanced tree plotter software to map our current tree stock and calculate carbon sequestration – as well as to model the future carbon potential of our new plantings.
Through this, we have identified a number of initial sites to begin planting:
Europe
In France, sites such as Guillemont Road, Ervillers and the Guards Cemetery at Combles will benefit from new tree plantings. At Coriano Ridge in Italy, 48 new trees will be planted and two replaced alongside a major overhaul of irrigation systems to resolve long-standing challenges.
UK
At Brookwood Military Cemetery, sustainability is woven into every aspect of a newly landscaped environment to mark casualties from the First World War, which will include more than 500 trees, providing the natural setting for a new memorial.
North Africa
In Tunisia’s fertile Medjerda Valley, a landscape renovation of Medjez-El-Bab cemetery will bring new olive and almond trees, to symbolise the region’s economy and identity, whilst reducing water-stress, supporting pollinators, providing shelter for wildlife, and improving soil health.
Cemeteries on the African continent, South and southeast Asia
Cemeteries in India, Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand and Malaysia will benefit from plantings, largely focused on introducing native trees with strong carbon absorption properties, contributing to climate resilience.
What do we hope to achieve?
Planting trees on our sites delivers wide-ranging benefits, including supporting local wildlife through the provision of food and shelter, improving soil health, sequestering more carbon dioxide, providing shade and seasonal interest, as well as enriching visitor experience for decades ahead.
This planting initiative focuses on ‘the right species in the right place at the right time’, creating natural, native habitats that can adapt to changing climates and support local wildlife. In doing so we strengthen the climate resilience of our sites, while offering beauty and tranquillity for visitors.
We’ll be tracking our progress in a central database using Tree Plotter software and monitoring our carbon sequestration throughout the project.
39,000 by 2039 also provides huge opportunities for us within the Commission and outside – as well as facilitating the training and development of our horticultural teams and will allow us to work closely with new and existing partners and stakeholders around the world.
Planting for the Future
Over time, the campaign will evolve to engage schools, learners and partners – building lasting awareness, support and understanding for tree stewardship, and its potential to support local wildlife through the provision of food and shelter, to improve soil health, to sequester more carbon dioxide and provide shade and seasonal interest - as well as enriching the CWGC visitor experience for decades ahead.
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