National Memorial Arboretum to change its name

The National Memorial Arboretum will change its name later this year as part of a rebrand, directors of the site say.

The 150-acre (61-hectare) estate will become the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens in September, following a full integration with their parent charity, the Royal British Legion (RBL).

The revamp of the site in Alrewas, Staffordshire, would reflect its evolution since it first opened 25 years ago, bosses said.

They added it would highlight the central role they played in the RBL's vision to "bring society together to recognise, remember, and support the armed forces community".

Mark Atkinson, the RBL's director general, said the rebrand and accompanying changes to how they were run would strengthen investment in the site's long-term future.

"The National Memorial Arboretum is a remarkable place that has long held a special place within the Royal British Legion," he said.

"Founded on an inspirational vision, its dedicated team has worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to solidify the site as the nation's year-round place to remember."

The arboretum is visited by more than 300,000 people every year, including 26,000 young people on educational trips.

Directors said they would continue to provide a dedicated place to commemorate the service and sacrifice made by the armed forces, emergency services and civilian organisations.

Their collection of more than 420 memorials would continue to grow, they added, with plans for future investment to be announced later this year.

Philippa Rawlinson, director of the arboretum and of remembrance at the RBL, said: "The National Memorial Arboretum is such a special place because of the commitment of our team members and the wider communities who care deeply about preserving the inspirational stories behind our more than 420 memorials.

"The full integration of the arboretum and the RBL gives us the strongest possible foundation for the future, helping us pass the baton of remembrance to future generations."

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