**Ambitious Woodland Memorial for Swansea’s War Dead Faces £6 Million Price Tag and Logistical Hurdles**
A proposal to establish a living woodland tribute in memory of Swansea’s fallen servicemen and women has encountered significant challenges, both in terms of finances and feasibility. According to a recent council report, the envisioned memorial could cost Swansea Council upwards of £6 million and would require a substantial parcel of land—equivalent to half the size of Singleton Park.
The idea, initially raised by Labour councillors, sought to honour the 2,677 individuals whose names are inscribed on Swansea’s cenotaph. This monument, standing at St Helen’s opposite the Recreation Ground, marks its centenary, having been unveiled in 1923 to commemorate those lost in war. The proposal coincided with the monument’s 100th anniversary, inspiring renewed focus on public remembrance and legacy.
However, a report presented to the council’s committee outlined numerous obstacles. To plant 2,677 trees—each representing a name on the cenotaph—would not only demand vast space but also a considerable investment. Council officers examined the practicalities, stating that no suitable land currently exists within council ownership to accommodate a project of this magnitude.
The recommended approach hinges on planting larger trees, each at least 2.5 metres tall, to improve their chance of survival. These trees, more robust than the smaller saplings or “whips”, cost between £145 and £175 apiece. Maintenance costs, including watering, weeding, and pruning over a two-year period, would further add to the financial burden. Moreover, innovative ideas such as commemorative QR codes—linking each tree to an individual’s story—would increase the total cost to somewhere between £5.9 million and £6.2 million.
Crucially, the council’s report concluded that such sums are simply beyond available budgets, rendering the proposal “not feasible or realistic” under current conditions. Officials suggested that Swansea should explore alternative commemorative options that are both meaningful and sustainable.
One such alternative leverages the council’s ongoing tree-planting programme. Swansea already plants around 300 trees annually as part of its environmental initiatives. The new idea is to dedicate each tree, as it is planted, to one of the cenotaph’s honourees. The exact location of each tree will be mapped and linked to archival information about the individual, creating a digital commemoration accessible to the public. In this way, the city could honour all 2,677 names over the course of approximately ten years—without incurring additional costs or straining resources.
Members of the council’s climate change and nature recovery committee strongly advocated for increased public participation. They highlighted the positive impact of community involvement in safeguarding newly-planted trees—reducing instances of vandalism and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Councillor Mair Baker, who has seen similar schemes succeed in her Penderry ward in memory of Covid-19 victims, underscored the benefits of engaging young people and local families in tree care and maintenance.
Councillor Rebecca Fogarty echoed these sentiments, citing a successful youth tree-planting programme in West Cross, where careful planning ensured species were planted in appropriate sites. She noted that fostering such partnerships leads to better outcomes and helps preserve the commemorative intention behind these living memorials.
Yet, the historical record poses its own set of complications. Due to archival losses during the Second World War, details for many First World War soldiers may be impossible to find or verify, leaving some names without full biographical context. The report acknowledged that significant work remains to ensure every tree can be properly associated with a specific individual.
The committee recommended that the incremental woodland commemoration proceed through the council’s existing tree-planting schedule, and suggested consultation with Councillor Wendy Lewis, Swansea’s armed forces champion. The findings will now be reviewed by the council’s cabinet, where a final decision on the project’s direction will be made.
With budget restrictions and space limitations dictating the council’s approach, Swansea continues to seek fitting yet practical ways to honour the sacrifices of its war dead—balancing ambition with reality while inviting the community to play an active role in remembrance.