The year 2023 etched itself onto our hearts with both sorrow and the quiet promise of renewal. For many, it was a year marked by personal loss, a time when the absence of loved ones left an undeniable void. It was in this spirit of remembrance that The Precious Tree Project embarked on a deeply meaningful activity: planting mini memorial forest pockets, living tributes dedicated to those who have passed on.
This particular planting session held a unique poignancy as we gathered at Eastbrook Wildlife Corridor to create two such pockets, side by side. These verdant spaces were lovingly dedicated to two cherished individuals: David Oldfield and Carol George. Each tree that took root in this shared earth was sponsored by the family and friends of David and Carol, a testament to the enduring impact they had on the lives they touched.
The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection interwoven with a gentle sense of community. Many who held David dear came to participate in the planting, their presence a comforting embrace of shared memories. While no one present had the privilege of knowing Carol George personally, her pocket was intentionally placed beside David’s, creating a shared space of remembrance. We held a ceremony for her too, acknowledging the life that was and the love that surrounded her.
Throughout the process, the air was filled with the gentle rhythm of song and the grounding beat of drums, a harmonious blend of remembrance and the vibrant energy of new life taking hold. Thereafter a meal was shared by all who attended this special gathering.
The groundwork for these pockets was laid by Chrissy, the landowner of Eastbrook WLC, who diligently cleared the chosen space that is free of alien invasive species, and prepared the earth to receive these native trees. This act of stewardship underscores the collaborative spirit of the project, where landowners play a vital role in creating spaces for these mini forests to flourish.
These two pockets at Eastbrook stand as more than just collections of trees. They are palpable expressions of love, remembrance, and connection. They are spaces where memories can breathe, where the rustling leaves whisper stories, and where the cycle of life continues, honoring those who are no longer with us in their physical form. The Precious Tree Project team is humbled to facilitate these acts of enduring love, one tree, one forest pocket, one memory at a time.
