National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, England

January sun shines through the avenue of trees at the National Memorial Arboretum.
An avenue of trees at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The National Memorial Arboretum includes 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the concept of Remembrance. 50,000 trees have been planted and as each tree matures it will provide a variety of woodland areas and open grass spaces. The aim of this living memorial is to offer families and friends of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country a green and pleasant land to remember their loved ones.

The National Memorial Arboretum was created in 1997 near Alrewas, Lichfield in Staffordshire. It is a living tribute to the personal sacrifices made by the armed and civil services of the United Kingdom.

Gallipoli 1915 Memorial designed and erected by Nadir Imamoglu in memory of his mother.
Gallipoli 1915 Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

There are 120 dedicated plots on the site to individuals and organizations including the military, civilian victims of war, the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance services, charities, local and overseas organisations.

Buildings at the National Memorial Arboretum are the Millenium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, the FEPOW Memorial Building and the Armed Forces Memorial.

The Armed Forces Memorial

The Armed Forces Memorial.
Armed Forces Memorial.

The Armed Forces Memorial was dedicated in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen on 12th October 2007. The memorial is a national memorial to provide a focus in recognition and thanks to all those who have given their lives while serving their country since the Second World War.

Sculptures at The Armed Forces Memorial.
Statues at The Armed Forces Memorial.

The memorial was designed by Liam O'Connor. Portland stone panels contain the names of those individuals who are honoured on the Memorial. In the centre of the stone structure there is a bronze wreath and two bronze sculptures.

Events at the National Memorial Arboretum

Monument to the 49th West Riding Division, known as the Polar Bears.
Monument to the 49th West Riding Division, known as the Polar Bears

There is a varied programme of events throughout the year at the Arboretum. A list of the events can be viewed on the National Memorial Arboretum website at

NMA Events

A Venue for your own Event

The Arboretum offers an inspirational venue for weddings and Civil ceremonies and has facilities for conferences.

Planning a Visit to the N.M.A.

Entrance to the National Memorial Arboretum.
Entrance to the National Memorial Arboretum.

For full details when planning your visit and to find out about opening hours, education visits, the gift shop, the Arbor Café and parking go to the N.M.A. website at

Planning Your Visit

For a full list of the memorial plots at the Arboretum go to

Plots at the NMA

Donate to the N.M.A.

Memorial to the TOC H Christian organization at the National Memorial Arboretum. A bronze TOC H lamp sits on top of the brick plinth. The TOC H organization was inspired by the “Everyman's Club ” called Talbot House (Toc H) in 1915-1918 at Poperinghe near Ypres.
Toc H Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The National Memorial Arboretum is a registered charity and welcomes donations. No gift is too small. To find out how you can help visit the website at

How you can Help the National Memorial Arboretum The Story of Talbot House - “TOC H” 1915-1918