National Memorial Arboretum receives £100,000 emergency grant from National Lottery

The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, has been awarded a £100,000 emergency grant from a new funding scheme established by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Created to support organisations hit by the global pandemic, the Heritage Emergency Fund contributed toward the cost of ongoing essential grounds and memorial maintenance while the 150-acre woodland and garden site was closed to the public.

Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “We are proud of our status as the nation’s year-round centre of remembrance and were devastated when we had to close our doors in March. It was a fantastic moment when we were finally able to welcome the public back to the Arboretum for pre-booked visits from 8 June and visitors were able to explore our 150-acre site once again.

“This grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund helped ensure the Arboretum was kept in peak condition as essential maintenance to memorials and our grounds continued to be delivered by our incredible team throughout lockdown. The lockdown has created some big financial challenges, so this gift is really important to us. We extend our most heartfelt thanks to National Lottery players for their support.”