Wokingham’s free Covid woodland commemoration on 27 August
Wokingham residents are invited to a free commemoration at the Covid Memorial Woodland, near California Country Park, on Thursday 27 August. The outdoor event runs from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, and an RSVP form is required for those planning to attend.
The gathering is open to everyone, with residents, volunteers and others who helped plant the woodland particularly welcome. Wokingham Borough Council says the evening will mark the opening of the site while recognising the community groups, partners and council teams involved in creating it.
An evening of reflection in the new woodland
The hour-long programme is planned to begin with a welcome and introduction to the woodland. People involved in its creation will contribute before a short reading and a moment of reflection.
A commemorative watering will follow, with time set aside for visitors to walk through the woodland as the sun sets. The event is intended to offer a quiet opportunity to reflect on the impact of the pandemic across Wokingham Borough.
Planned elements include:
- A welcome and introduction to the woodland
- A contribution from people who helped create it
- A short reading and moment of reflection
- A commemorative watering
- Time to walk through the woodland at sunset
Thousands of young trees form a lasting memorial
The Covid Memorial Woodland has been created as a peaceful place for remembrance and reflection. Thousands of young trees have been planted alongside areas of grassland and wildflowers, while paths allow visitors to explore the site and watch it develop in the years ahead.
Residents, community groups, partners and council colleagues took part in planting sessions. Further planting and work to establish the woodland continued through winter 2025/26 with support from the Countryside Service and community partners, while much of the tree planting was supported by Woodland Trust funding.
Parking and the walk from California Country Park
Drivers should park at California Country Park and allow enough time to walk to the woodland before the 6.30pm start. Signs will direct visitors along the paths from the country park to the event site.
Accessible paths connect California Country Park with the Covid Memorial Woodland. Visitors can describe any accessibility or other participation requirements on the RSVP form, providing only the information needed to help them access the event.
The café and toilets at California Country Park will remain open during the commemoration. As the gathering will be held outdoors, visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear.
RSVP and photography arrangements
One person may complete the RSVP form for an entire household or group. The attendance information will help the council plan parking, facilities and other arrangements for the evening.
Photography and filming will take place for Wokingham Borough Council communications, media and archive purposes. Anyone who does not wish to be photographed or filmed should tell the photographer or an organiser upon arrival.
Before travelling, attendees should complete the council’s short RSVP form and include any accessibility requirements that would help them take part.
Source: Wokingham Borough Council
Context & actions About this article
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The event details were checked against the notice published by Wokingham Borough Council on 18 August 2026.
- Confirmed the date and 6.30pm start time against the council notice
- Checked the venue, parking instructions and walking route
- Verified the RSVP and accessibility arrangements
- Reviewed the published programme and photography notice
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- Wokingham Borough Council
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- Wokingham Borough, Berkshire
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- 2026-08-18 15:57
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