Published on
18 August 2026
Join us at the Covid Memorial Woodland commemoration
Join us for a short evening commemoration marking the opening of the Covid Memorial Woodland on Thursday 27 August.
The community is invited to a short evening commemoration marking the opening of the Covid Memorial Woodland, near California Country Park.
The event will provide an opportunity for reflection and recognise the residents, volunteers, partners and council teams who helped create the woodland.
- Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
- Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- Location: Covid Memorial Woodland, near California Country Park
The event is open to everyone. People who helped plant the woodland are particularly welcome.
Let us know if you are attending
Please complete our short RSVP form if you plan to attend. This will help us plan parking, facilities and arrangements for the evening.
One person can complete the form for their household or group.
About the commemoration
The evening is planned to include:
- a welcome and introduction to the woodland
- a contribution from people involved in creating it
- a short reading and moment of reflection
- a commemorative watering
- time to walk through the woodland as the sun sets
The event will take place outdoors, so please dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear.
Getting to the event
The café and toilets at California Country Park will remain open for the event.
Please allow enough time to park and walk to the woodland before the commemoration begins at 6.30pm.
A place for remembrance and reflection
The Covid Memorial Woodland has been created as a peaceful place to remember and reflect on the impact of the pandemic across Wokingham Borough.
Thousands of young trees have been planted at the site, alongside areas of grassland and wildflowers. Paths through the woodland allow visitors to explore the space and watch it develop over the years ahead.
Much of the tree planting was supported through funding from the Woodland Trust.
Created with the community
Residents, community groups, partners and council colleagues took part in planting sessions to help create the woodland.
Further planting and work to establish the woodland continued through winter 2025/26, supported by the Countryside Service and community partners.
Accessibility
Accessible paths lead from California Country Park to the Covid Memorial Woodland.
You can tell us about any accessibility or other requirements when completing the RSVP form. Please provide only the information that would help you access and take part in the event.
Photography and filming
Photography and filming will take place during the event for Wokingham Borough Council communications, media and archive purposes.
If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please make yourself known to the photographer or organiser when you arrive.
Join us
The commemoration takes place from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 27 August.
Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can prepare for the number of visitors expected.
