Wokingham Covid Memorial Woodland event: 27 August

Wokingham’s Covid Memorial Woodland will open with a free public commemoration on Thursday 27 August from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The event will take place at the woodland near California Country Park and is open to everyone, with people who helped plant the site particularly welcome. Attendees are asked to complete the Wokingham Borough Council RSVP form in advance.

The short outdoor gathering will offer time to remember the impact of the pandemic across Wokingham Borough while recognising the residents, volunteers, partners and council teams who created the woodland.

A sunset programme of reflection and recognition

The commemoration is due to begin with a welcome and introduction to the woodland. People involved in creating the site will contribute before a short reading and a moment of reflection.

A commemorative watering will follow, and visitors will have time to walk through the woodland as the sun sets. The setting has been designed as a peaceful place where people can remember and reflect on how the pandemic affected communities across the borough.

Thousands of young trees have been planted alongside grassland and wildflowers. Paths running through the site will allow visitors to explore the woodland and observe how it develops in the years ahead.

Residents, community groups, council colleagues and partner organisations took part in planting sessions. Further planting and establishment work continued during winter 2025/26 with support from the Countryside Service and community partners. Much of the tree planting was supported through Woodland Trust funding.

Parking and the walk from California Country Park

Drivers should park at California Country Park and follow signs along the paths to the Covid Memorial Woodland. Visitors are advised to leave enough time for parking and the walk before proceedings begin at 6.30pm.

Accessible paths connect the country park with the woodland. Anyone with accessibility or other participation requirements can include the relevant information on the RSVP form.

The café and toilets at California Country Park will remain open during the event. As the full commemoration will be held outdoors, attendees should dress for the weather and wear footwear suitable for walking through the site.

RSVP and photography arrangements

Wokingham Borough Council is collecting RSVPs to help plan parking, facilities and other arrangements for the evening. One person may submit the form on behalf of an entire household or group.

Photography and filming will take place for council communications, media and archive purposes. Anyone who does not wish to be photographed or filmed should tell the photographer or an event organiser when they arrive.

The commemoration runs from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 27 August. Visitors planning to attend should submit the RSVP form and arrive early enough to walk from California Country Park to the woodland.

Source: Wokingham Borough Council