A new living tribute has begun to take root in Amber Valley today (Friday 6 March), as Amber Valley Borough Council marks the Covid-19 Day of Reflection.
At Ambergate Recreation Ground, four trees were planted in memory of those lost during the pandemic, marking the beginning of a new Avenue of Reflection, a permanent space where residents can remember loved ones and quietly reflect.
(Pictured above: Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke, Mayor of Amber Valley, and Councillor Amina Burslem, Cabinet Member for Communities, Street Pride and Wellbeing, beside the newly planted trees at Ambergate Recreation Ground marking the start of the Avenue of Reflection.)
The annual Covid-19 Day of Reflection takes place on Sunday 8 March 2026. It offers communities across the UK an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect on the sacrifices made, and recognise the extraordinary efforts of frontline workers who supported communities throughout.
Today’s planting marks the start of a tribute that will grow year by year. Four trees have established the beginning of the avenue, with two additional trees to be added annually, gradually forming a dedicated avenue of remembrance at the recreation ground.
Chosen for its peaceful setting, Ambergate Recreation Ground provides space for the avenue to grow in the years ahead.
The trees planted are Taxodium distichum, commonly known as swamp cypress. Known for their strength and striking autumn colours of orange, yellow and red, they will, over time, shape a distinctive and contemplative landscape for the community.
(Pictured above: Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke and Councillor Amina Burslem planting the first trees of the new Avenue of Reflection)
The Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke, was joined by Councillor Amina Burslem, Cabinet Member for Communities, Street Pride and Wellbeing, to plant the first trees and formally mark the occasion.
Speaking at the planting, Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke said:
"The pandemic touched every one of our communities. For many families, the loss remains deeply personal.
"Today’s planting marks the beginning of a lasting tribute, one that will grow year after year. We hope this Avenue of Reflection becomes a quiet space where people can come to remember loved ones and reflect on a period that changed all of our lives."
Councillor Amina Burslem added:
"The benches installed last year created dedicated places for reflection across the borough. This Avenue of Reflection builds on that commitment.
"Planting these trees each year symbolises remembrance, renewal and resilience. It ensures that this chapter of our shared history is acknowledged in a way that is both meaningful and enduring."
The new avenue builds on the Council’s commemorative ‘Daffodil’ benches installed in 2025 at Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground, Belper River Gardens, Charles Hill in Loscoe and Crossley Park in Ripley. Each bench includes a QR code linking to an online Book of Remembrance.
That online Book of Remembrance remains open, allowing families and friends to continue sharing tributes.
Residents can visit the Book of Remembrance at www.ambervalley.gov.uk/covid19reflection
(Pictured above: One of the commemorative ‘Daffodil’ benches installed by Amber Valley Borough Council in 2025, pictured at Crossley Park, Ripley.)
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
