Bulwell Forest Recreation Ground is to be designated a Centenary Field commemorating those lost in World War One.
The new status is to be marked by planting three native Oak trees on the site. Local ward councillors Cllr Eunice Campbell-Clark, Cllr Cheryl Barnard and Cllr Nick McDonald, along with representatives from The Royal British Legion and The sons of Rest Veterans Group, will plant the trees at 11am on Thursday 3rd January.
Working in partnership with The Royal British Legion, the Centenary Field programme aims to protect parks, playing fields and other recreational spaces in perpetuity to honour the memory of the millions who lost their lives in World War One. By dedicating land, local authorities and other landowners can ensure valuable green space is protected as a living remembrance to those who fought and lost their lives in World War One. This dedication is aligned with the spirit of the Armed Forces Community Covenant and will be recognised by the local community as a clear commitment to the importance of these spaces now and in the future.
The trees have been funded by the Bulwell Forest ward councillors and will be planted at the southern end of Bulwell Forest. The site was chosen due to its strong association with WWI, having been a training ground for soldiers going off to fight in the Great War.
Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities, said: “We are very proud to be a part of the Fields in Trust Centenary Fields programme. Nottingham and Nottinghamshire lost 14,000 men and women during World War One, all of whom will be remembered with the new Centenary Memorial that will be unveiled in 2019. But to also be able to remember them through our parks is fantastic, as our parks and green spaces are often the places people can go for quiet contemplation and to aid their wellbeing.”