On Sunday 8 March, the Council hosted a Covid Reflection Tree Planting ceremony at Barclay Park to remember over 230,000 people who lost their lives to the virus during the Covid 19 pandemic in the UK
A commemorative Rowan tree was planted at the park to mark the occasion, also paying tribute to NHS staff, social care workers, key workers, and volunteers whose dedication and service supported communities through the unprecedented national crisis.
Councillor Clune, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety, attended the ceremony alongside members of the Friends of Barclay Park and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Karen Trew, who participated in her role as a Barclay Park volunteer.
In his speech, Councillor Clune reflected on the profound impact of the pandemic and the significance of the memorial: “The Rowan tree was selected for its cultural symbolism and ecological value. Known in Celtic tradition as the Tree of Life, it supports a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals, and offers year round seasonal interest”.
Following the speech, Councillor Clune placed mulch around the newly planted tree, assisted by Karen Trew.
The Council hopes the tree will serve as a lasting mark of remembrance and a symbol of hope for continued healing, strengthened community bonds, and a future shaped by the lessons of the pandemic.