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Latest data shows 459 North Somerset residents have died from Covid-19.
To mark the second anniversary of the start of the first lockdown, North Somerset Council has announced that native trees will be planted this autumn in locations across the area to create spaces for reflection.
Councillor Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s executive member for health, said: “The pandemic has affected all of us in different ways. Being able to take time to reflect on the changes we’ve been through over the last couple of years is important for our own mental health.
“By planting these memorial trees across the area, we hope to give people local places to visit where they can pause and contemplate their experiences. The trees will also provide a physical space for people to remember the loved ones that we’ve lost for many years to come.
“Due to the tree planting season, the work will be carried out this autumn with more information being released about the precise locations over the summer.”
The National Day of Reflection is run by charity Marie Curie. Detail of ways to get involved are on its website www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection.
The Covid-19 memorial trees will all be native varieties and will include birch, oak, hornbeam, field maple, rowan, hazel, dogwood and crab apple.
Update 3 April 2023: More information, including specific locations of where the trees were planted, can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/covidmemorialtrees.