We offer the chance to dedicate a bench, tree, plant or shrub as a place of are spaces of remembrance, reflection, and connection in our parks and open spaces.
Those who dedicate a memorial support the ongoing care and upkeep of the spaces – helping ensure they remain lasting, dignified tributes for years to come.
You can choose from traditional steel benches or wooden benches, as well as various species of trees and plants.
Benches
You can either choose to sponsor an existing bench that is not currently inscribed – if you do this we will use your sponsorship to restore the bench to an ‘as new’ standard. Alternatively we can work with you to identify a new location for a bench and your sponsorship will cover the cost of purchasing and installing the bench.
- Prices for benches/bench restorations start from £600.
- Wood engraving starts from £7 per letter and bronze/brass plaques and installation start from £75 and are only available for wooden benches with back rests.
- We will provide you with a detailed costings on application.
Trees and shrubs
You can either choose to sponsor an existing tree/shrub that is not currently inscribed, or we can work with you to identify a new location for a tree/shrub.
Current trees available to sponsor include sweet chestnut, walnut, dune berries, ash and elder. Alternatively, you may have a favourite tree or shrub that would make a more fitting memorial.
The cost of a tree or a shrub plaque starts from £180, including the stand and fitting.
Our policy
We deeply value the meaning our memorial benches, trees and shrubs hold for families, friends, and communities. These are spaces of remembrance, reflection, and connection and we honour the care and emotion behind every tribute.
We understand that people may wish to leave small decorations, tokens, or personal items in memory of a loved one near or on the memorial.
Where possible, we want to allow space for these expressions, however, as shared public spaces, benches, trees and shrubs must remain accessible, safe, and in keeping with their surroundings.
To help us care for these places and keep them welcoming for all, we ask that any decoration is:
- Small and respectful.
- Natural in appearance (particularly for trees).
- Not attached in ways that could damage the bench, tree or shrub.
- Placed so it doesn’t obstruct use or pose safety risks.
When decorations build up or become unsuitable, we will take a gentle and thoughtful approach:
- If decorations prevent a bench being sat on, or pose a risk to a tree or shrub, or public use, we may carefully remove or reposition them.
- Where possible, we’ll place removed items safely to one side.
- Where items become weather-worn, untidy or unsafe, where possible we will notify the dedicant and ask them to remove them. Where we have no contact details, or where items need to be removed for safety reasons we will remove them without making contact.
- If we receive public concerns or complaints, where possible we’ll work with the dedicant to find a respectful and balanced way forward. Please email parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk if you have any concerns.
- Please note that we can’t take responsibility for decorations that are lost, damaged, or removed for whatever reason.
Ongoing maintenance
While we are committed to maintaining our parks and open spaces, please note that Lichfield District Council is not responsible for the repair or replacement of donated items, including benches, trees and shrubs.
Over time, these items may show signs of weathering or wear. If you feel a donated bench needs replacing in the future, we will kindly ask that the cost of a replacement is covered by the original dedicant or their relatives.
If this does not happen, from time to time we may remove benches, trees or shrubs that have been dedicated in the past.
Contact us
If you’d like to discuss a specific bench or tree, please don’t hesitate to contact our parks team on:
Call: 01543 308867
Email: parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk
In writing: Commemorative benches & memorials, Swinfen Broun Pavilion, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS18 6QZ