23 March 2022
Remembering those we’ve lost: National Day of Reflection
Join us at Kew for a tranquil day of remembrance in the Gardens.
Today is National Day of Reflection, a chance for people to come together to support all those who have been bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to reflect on the lives of those we have lost.
Welcoming those who have lost a loved one
Our Community and Access Learning team are committed to making the Gardens a welcoming place for people who might face physical, sensory, psychological, or social barriers to visiting us.
To mark the National Day of Reflection, the team are working with other charities, hospices and support groups to open our Gardens to people who are grieving.
People will take part in a supportive day of activities including tree planting, creative workshops, mindfulness walks, and a session just for children.
'We hope that it will be a beautiful day of compassion and a chance to gather together in the serenity of nature.'
'We’re lucky to work in such a tranquil space and we all know the power of nature to comfort and heal. It’ll be a special and much needed day,' says Jane Rogers, Community Horticultural Learning Coordinator at Kew.
Tree planting
At midday we’ll observe a minute’s silence, remembering the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues we've lost over the last two years.
Following the minute’s silence, with local choir Voices of Hope accompanying, we will plant a beech tree (Fagus x taurica) in remembrance. Huge and majestic, the beech can grow to over 40m in height, and will become a home for birds, fungi, mosses, and lichens.
'We are welcoming all of our visitors, staff and volunteers to join us today. We want to ensure everyone has a moment to reflect on what has happened in the past two years,' said Jane.
The tree planting will take place next to the Children’s Garden. Please use this map, or ask one of our Kew colleagues who will be happy to direct you.
Poetry, mindfulness and knitting
Over 250 people supported by bereavement charities will join us today.
In the afternoon, they will be taken on a tour of the Garden and enjoy a mindfulness walk, poetry workshop, or knitting session.
'The moment you walk through the gates at Kew, there is a peace, and we hope that everybody who joins us today will be able to find that,' Jane said.
For the rest of the day, everyone will be welcome to spend some time in the Gardens to celebrate, reflect and remember their loved ones.
Supporting children who have lost someone
Jane has heard many heart-breaking stories of loss from the families she works with, and she wanted to ensure that children who have lost a loved one during the pandemic felt cared for today.
'Children can plant a sunflower to take home with them, and of course they can play and explore in our magical Children’s Garden,' she said.
'Children will enjoy running down the windy paths through pink candy floss grass, jumping the stepping stones in the stream, and using the hammocks and periscopes to gaze at the sky.'
To offer emotional and wellbeing support, volunteers from Princess Alice Hospice will be joining us for the day.
The Children’s Garden is a very special place for little ones throughout the year. We offer quiet sessions for children with special educational needs and disabilities to make for a more comfortable visit.
Reflect with us in the Gardens today
Join us for a tranquil visit to the Gardens on the National Day of Reflection. Plan your day around the most peaceful places in the Gardens.
Tucked away by the River Thames, the Natural Area is a quiet place where you can traverse our Woodland Walk. Away from the crowds, this area is alive with wildlife – can you spot the butterflies, dragonflies, woodpeckers and blue tits?
The tranquil Japanese Landscape is a vision of pink cherry blossom at this time of year, and a perfect corner for quiet reflection and contemplation. See our horticulturalists rake the Japanese Garden into the wave-like patterns that represent ripples of water.
At the Woodland Garden and Temple of Aeolus, hellebores and bellflowers carpet the floor in springtime. The Garden is shaded by a canopy of oaks, limes and birches, a peaceful spot with a calming view.
Wellbeing at Kew
In recognition of the unprecedented years we have lived through, we have introduced a programme of wellbeing activities in the Gardens which anyone is welcome to attend.
Join us for yoga in the greatest glasshouse in the world: in the midst of 10,000 rare and endangered plants, it is led by Anil Jangi, Kew's own yoga instructor.
We also offer meditative tai chi in our enchanting Mediterranean Garden and Forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku.
We hope to encourage more people to come and enjoy all that Kew has to offer.
The Gardens are a special place where you can have time and space to unwind. Read more about how you can sooth stress in our Gardens by practicing breathing techniques, using your senses, and enjoying each season.
