Carved in stone: Symbol of hope unveiled in Solihull woodland - The Solihull Observer

Carved in stone: Symbol of hope unveiled in Solihull woodland

Solihull Editorial 18th Oct, 2021   0

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.

“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,” said Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council.

“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 and 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 is located 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.

In its 15 years it 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.

For more information on Katherine’s Wood, visit Facebook page: @Katherineswoodbalsallcommon

For further information and updates, visit the Planting Our Future website: www.lovesolihull.org/plantingourfuture.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Solihull Observer newspaper.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.