National Memorial Arboretum, Military memorial park in Alrewas, United Kingdom.
The National Memorial Arboretum is a park and war memorial site in Alrewas, Staffordshire, covering around 150 acres (60 ha) with more than 25,000 trees and roughly 400 memorials. The grounds combine woodland areas with spaces dedicated to remembering military and civilian service.
Commander David Childs began planning the project in 1988 on former gravel workings. Prime Minister John Major officially opened the site in 2001.
The site brings together remembrance and tree planting, with communities and organizations creating their own memorials among the woodland paths. Visitors walk through groves where each tree or marker represents a personal or collective connection to service.
The arboretum opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm and offers guided walks, land train rides, and buggy tours. Around 260 volunteers help run the site and accompany visitors through the grounds.
The Polar Bear Memorial was dedicated in 1998 and honors the 49th Infantry West Riding Division, which served in Iceland during World War II. The name comes from the polar bear that appeared on the division's insignia.
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