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The National Arboretum - HMS Formidable memorial plinth   - Most years, when we visited "The Donington Thistle" hotel near Castle Donington, DERBY, we also made a trip to The National Arboretum near Kegworth (Where we also went to Kegworth Church on the Sunday for a special service and march past)

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The National Memorial Arboretum (often associated with Derby because of its Midlands location), though it is actually near Alrewas, Staffordshire (between Lichfield, Burton-on-Trent, and Derby). It’s part of the Royal British Legion’s family of memorials. Here’s a full historical overview:
History of the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA)
Origins & Vision
  • The idea for a national memorial arboretum arose in the early 1990s, inspired by the concept of creating a living tribute to those who had served and sacrificed for the nation.
  • The vision was led by Commander David Childs CBE, RN (Ret’d), who believed the UK needed a central place of remembrance outside London’s stone monuments, one that was living, growing, and enduring.
  • The site chosen was near Alrewas, Staffordshire, on reclaimed gravel workings gifted by Redland Aggregates, with its position symbolically close to the geographical heart of England, not far from Derby.
Development
  • 1994 – Planning for the Arboretum formally began.
  • 1995 – The first trees were planted, beginning the transformation of the bare gravel pits into a green, living landscape.
  • 1997 – The Arboretum charity was established to manage development.
  • The design embraced the symbolism of trees and woodland growth as renewal, life, and hope, while creating open spaces for memorials and gatherings.
Opening & Early Years
  • May 2001 – The National Memorial Arboretum was formally opened to the public.
  • It quickly became recognised as the UK’s national site of remembrance for military and civilian service, complementing the Cenotaph in London.
  • Early memorials included units from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, emergency services, and civilian organisations such as charities, cadet forces, and humanitarian services.
The Armed Forces Memorial
  • 2007 – The most significant feature, the Armed Forces Memorial, was dedicated in the presence of The Queen.
  • This massive Portland stone circle bears the names of all British servicemen and women killed on duty or by terrorist attack since the end of WW2 (1945 onwards).
  • Names continue to be added each year in a solemn service.
  • The structure is aligned so that on 11 November at 11:00 am, sunlight passes precisely through its central opening to illuminate the memorial’s bronze wreath – a powerful moment of national remembrance.
Expansion and Recognition
  • Over the following years, the Arboretum expanded with more than 400 memorials dedicated to regiments, units, campaigns, civilian organisations, and charities.
  • The site now contains 30,000+ trees, with each plantation area representing regimental traditions, services, or symbolic remembrance themes.
  • In 2011, the Arboretum became part of the Royal British Legion family, ensuring long-term stewardship.
  • 2016 – A major £15 million Remembrance Centre was opened, giving improved visitor facilities and exhibitions.
Modern Role
  • Today, the Arboretum is both a national place of remembrance and a living landscape of commemoration, hosting:
    • Annual Remembrance Day and Armistice ceremonies.
    • The Ride to the Wall motorbike remembrance pilgrimage.
    • Veterans’ reunions, civilian services of thanksgiving, and youth remembrance events.
  • It serves not just as a military site, but as a place honouring all who serve society, including police, firefighters, ambulance staff, charities, and disaster response teams.
Significance
  • Unlike London’s monuments of stone, the Arboretum is alive and growing, representing the ongoing cycle of service, sacrifice, and renewal.
  • Its location in the Midlands (within reach of Derby, Birmingham, and Lichfield) makes it accessible to the whole nation.
  • It has become a symbol of unity, memory, and hope, ensuring that the names and sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.
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✅ In summary:
The National Memorial Arboretum, though often linked in people’s minds with Derbyshire due to its Midlands setting, is in Staffordshire and has grown from a gravel pit in the 1990s into the UK’s foremost living memorial landscape, honouring both military and civilian service since 1945.
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