Forestry England dedication benches

a woman wearing a red top sit on a bench in a forest, looking off into the distance

A bench in nature to remember someone special

A Forestry England dedication bench offers a lasting way to remember someone special, or mark a meaningful moment, in the peaceful surroundings of the nation's forests. Each bench sits in a beautiful forest location - places full of personal memories, reflection, and connection. Every bench is dedicated with love, and each one tells a story.

Accessible seating for all

Our dedication benches welcome all visitors, no matter their age or access needs, to pause, rest and take in their surroundings. These benches have been designed for a range of needs, including different seat heights for those of varying stature and seats at the end of the bench to allow people to transfer from a wheelchair if desired.

By dedicating a bench, you’re not only creating a lasting tribute, you’re also helping us protect and enhance these cherished landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

A silver plaque in the shape of a leaf, engraved with a memorial message.

What your bench dedication includes

  • A beautifully crafted, fully accessible bench with space for wheelchair users and easy access for people with limited mobility.
  • A personalised plaque with your own dedication message.
  • Placement in a carefully chosen forest location, offering a peaceful place for reflection, connection, and rest.
  • A commemorative certificate and welcome pack.
  • A 10-year dedication, including care and maintenance.
  • A contribution towards the ongoing care of the forest where the bench is located, helping us protect and enhance these special places for everyone to enjoy.

The donation amount for dedicating a bench is £3,500. 

Locations for dedication benches

Our dedication benches are currently available in select forests across our Northern and Yorkshire districts, with East district sites coming soon and more forests planned for the future. Current participating forests include:

  • Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
  • Kielder Forest, Northumberland
  • Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
  • Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
  • Guisborough Forest, Yorkshire

If your preferred site isn’t listed, please do still get in touch - we’ll always try to find the best option for your dedication. Please note that whilst we'll do our best to match your bench to your preferred location, we cannot guarantee this due to demand.

A wooden bench with seats at different heights in the forest.
‘I love the variety of armrest and seat height. I am disabled and a former nurse, and my partner is a nurse - so we see this from both the patient and the carer's perspectives. Whoever designed these benches did a fantastic job.
Visitor feedback on our accessible benches

Start your bench dedication today

If you're thinking about dedicating a bench to someone special, we'd love to hear from you. Email benches@forestryengland.uk to:

  • learn more about the programme.
  • discuss potential forest locations.
  • be added to our waiting list.

Our friendly team will guide you through every step, from choosing the right site to crafting your inscription.

With your support, we can create more places of peace and reflection in England’s forests.

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09 October 2019

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