Commemoratives

Milestone events such as the birth of a grandchild, a marriage, a retirement, or the life of a loved one can be celebrated at the arboretum by adopting a tree or sponsoring a bench. Both options provide a long-lasting and poignant reminder of a special person or event and also support the important conservation and development work undertaken here.

Tree Adoption:

Please contact us at sponsorship@yorkshirearboretum.org or phone our Sponsorship Coordinator on 01653 648598 for an initial discussion about your requirements. We can then arrange a meeting to discuss your choice of tree, explain the characteristics of specific trees to you, and help you make your final decision.

When you have chosen your tree you have the option of having a small commemorative plaque attached to the tree. Whether or not you choose this option, your adoption will be entered into our Register of Adopted Trees, giving names of sponsors, the person or event to be commemorated or honoured and details of the tree and its location in the arboretum.

Your donation to adopt your tree contributes to an endowment for its future care and also contributes to our work to conserve and nurture our rare and endangered trees.

Bench Sponsorship:

Please contact us at sponsorship@yorkshirearboretum.org or phone our Sponsorship Coordinator on 01653 648598 for an initial discussion about your requirements. We can then arrange a meeting to discuss the location options available and help you make your final decision.

Our benches are custom made in Yorkshire from hardwood sourced from sustainable forests which contribute directly to the local economy. Your sponsorship donation covers the cost of the bench, installation on a paved base, a plaque with a dedication, and an entry in the Register of Adopted Benches.

Interment of Ashes

If you would like to have your loved one’s ashes interred at the site of your commemorative tree or, elsewhere in the arboretum, this can be arranged. You may like an informal gathering or one involving a celebrant; both of which are possible. We can also arrange for your own ashes to be interred for the future.  

With prior arrangement, the Peter Sowerby Building is available to use as a private space for family and friends to meet before or after the interment. We have a full range of catering options from our Catering Team, that can be served in the room – this is all available with prior arrangement.

Contact us at sponsorship@yorkshirearboretum.org for further information.