Kirkham Morrisons opens gardens in Wrea Green Remembrance Wood

Wrea Green Remembrance Wood was set up in May after the Bradshaw family decided to use their 5.5 acres of land to create a space for bereaved people.

Morrisons' Kirkham store contacted the family to offer help, and has created its own garden in the wood with fruit trees and benches.

A bench was donated in memory of an employee's husband, who died after falling and hitting his head on a radiator at their home.

Barbara Parkinson, community champion at the Kirkham store said: "Everyone has been really interested in what we've done, and it's such a good community space to come and reflect.

"People can visit the wood to remember loved ones, and enjoy nature. The family wanted to keep the land as natural as possible, so we've chosen trees that will attract butterflies and birds.

"We're going to continue to maintain the gardens and it's a lovely way to build community spirit."

The land came to be a Remembrance Wood after the Bradshaw family decided over a Sunday lunch to do something for people who were bereaved during the current pandemic.

Andy Bradshaw shared his idea to Facebook, and shortly after he had the support of Morrisons and local grounds maintenance businesses to create a special place to remember loved ones.

Two weeks ago, the Bishop of Lancaster blessed the woods and a service was held there by St Nicholas parish church.

The wood also has a dedicated Facebook page, which can be contacted to dedicate a tree in memory of someone.

Andy's daughter, Ashley, said: "It was an off-the-cuff idea, but it's become such a special place. The Morrisons garden adds another story to the wood, and it looks really nice.

"There is a lot of sadness behind the stories, but we were pleased to bring something positive and peaceful out of it.

"We have over 300 trees now, and have helped over 200 families choose a tree to dedicate to loved ones they have lost.

"We wanted to bring the community together and give people a way to say goodbye."