The maple trees have turned red at Bramshott War Memorial beside the A3

Last year I shared some photos on this blog: The Canadian Maple Memorial: A Tribute to Heroes at Bramshott Common and they ended up getting thousands of views and being published by several news outlets. So with a clear morning forecast I took the opportunity to get out and get a few updated shots of this years display.

418 Maple trees remind us of the 418 servicemen who died during the two world wars. Lest we forget!

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Did you know?

The original avenue of sycamore trees, planted as a memorial to Canadian servicemen, was removed in the early 1990s to enhance road safety and support the long-term health of the roadside environment. This decision was made following extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including the Canadian High Commission.

In order to preserve the memory of those honoured by the original sycamores, new maple trees - imported from Canada - were planted along both sides of the A3 at Bramshott Common. These replacement trees are not only visible from the main road but also accessible to the public, ensuring that the memorial continues to serve as a place of reflection.

The wood from the felled sycamores was repurposed into seats, which were donated to local churches and the National Memorial Arboretum. Additionally, a seat was placed within the newly established planting area, providing a space for contemplation. While the removal of the original trees was a difficult decision, the new memorial serves as a fitting tribute to the Canadians who lost their lives in the World Wars.

Source: UK Parliament Hansard https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1995-07-05/debates/3431ba0b-965c-4784-a275-6c26e57415e3/SycamoreTreesBramshott