10/03/2025: Breckland Council plants trees at Oxburgh Estate to mark COVID-19 Day of Reflection

Breckland Council, in collaboration with the National Trust, has planted five trees at Oxburgh Estate to mark five years since the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 pandemic. The planting took place on Sunday, 9 March 2025, which Central Government announced would be a national Covid Day of Reflection. 

The trees were planted to honour and remember the groups whose efforts helped maintain key services during the pandemic, such as caring for the most vulnerable members of society.  

Cllr Keith Gilbert, Chairman of Breckland Council, and Maxine O'Mahony, Chief Executive at Breckland Council, both planted trees in recognition of public sector workers for Local Government. Local GP Dr Tissa Weeratunge planted a tree representing the NHS, while Helen Brook, a volunteer who set up the Mattishall Community Hub during the pandemic, planted a tree to recognise community and voluntary efforts during the period. Another tree was also planted by Deputy Lieutenant Mary Rudd on behalf of His Majesty the King as well as members of the Armed Forces community and other uniformed services.  

Breckland Council previously planted 2,000 trees in a 'Woodland of Thanks' at Oxburgh Estate, near Swaffham. The tree planting, which occurred in late 2023, was in partnership with the National Trust and the Green Light Trust to pay tribute to those who worked in the NHS, Local Government, Armed Forces and voluntary and community sectors during the pandemic.

To observe the Day of Reflection, Oxburgh Estate, cared for by the National Trust, invited people to mark the occasion and offered free admission to the first 200 non-members. Visitors were able to explore the estate and the growing trees, taking a moment to pause and reflect.  

Emily Parker, Property Operations Manager for Oxburgh Estate, said: "We were delighted to welcome people from local communities to spend the Covid Day of Reflection with us, taking some time to remember those we lost in the pandemic and those who selflessly continued to deliver essential services. We are also thrilled to have five new trees growing in addition to our 'Woodland of Thanks' in recognition of our ongoing gratitude to these frontline workers. We hope that in the decades to come, people will use this space to remember their dedication and resilience." 

Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, commented: "The five new trees we have planted at Oxburgh Estate are a tribute to the people that put others before themselves during the pandemic to serve our communities. We want to thank the National Trust for giving residents a space to remember on this Covid Day of Reflection and into the months and years to come, and for our continued partnership that strives to ensure the brave efforts of many during the pandemic are never forgotten."