A new symbol of hope and tribute to all those affected by the pandemic has been installed at Katherine’s Wood.
The Hope Stone has been created to symbolise hope in difficult times, pay tribute to those who have suffered and give thanks to all those who helped.
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:
“During the pandemic, so many have found peace and quiet in places like Katherine’s Wood, along with a renewed appreciation of nature and its value to us all.
“It therefore seemed appropriate to create a new focus for contemplation within this beautiful wood alongside the existing stones which are dedicated to Health, Happiness and Harmony.
“I would like to thank the local businesses that have helped make this possible, Earlswood Nurseries, Balfour Beatty & Pollard Memorials.”
The Hope Stone reads:
HOPE
for our tomorrow
after Covid-19
OUR TRIBUTE
To those who suffered,
our compassion.
To those who helped,
our thank you.
The Hope Stone has been sponsored by Earlswood Nurseries, Balfour Beatty and Pollard Memorials. It is located in a spot adjacent to the three standing stones at Katherine’s Wood – dedicated to Life’s Essentials: Health, Happiness and Harmony – which were installed in 2011.
Planting for Katherine’s Wood started in 2006. The two-acre woodland began with over 1,600 mixed native trees and plants in the first phase, including a number of oak trees. A second phase in other areas of Lavender Hall Park, with the assistance of a Big Lottery “Breathing Spaces” grants supported by the Rotary Club of Meriden, saw another 1,200 trees planted, as well as daffodil areas and signage.
The woodland has won numerous awards, became a Local Nature Reserve opened by Chris Packham in July 2008, and went on to gain its Green Flag status in 2010. 15 years has seen tremendous growth from simple whips and will see additional planting as part of the ‘Planting Our Future’ campaign to further enhance the borough.
