A special ceremony in Formby marked the planting of a commemorative oak tree, adding to Sefton’s poignant war remembrance tributes. 

On Monday November 10th, attendees including Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson, councillors including Cabinet Members Cllr Mhairi Doyle and Cllr Liz Dowd, and members of volunteer groups came together for the ceremony in Duke Street Park.

Historic roots

Oaks at 80 is a programme led by The Mersey Forest, the Community Forest organisation for Merseyside, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. 

The Allerton Oak, a tree in Liverpool’s Calderstones Park, has a unique connection to Merseyside’s part in World War II. Soldiers from the region were given acorns and leaves from the tree as a token of remembrance, taking them across Europe. 

Formby’s oak tree pays tribute to those from the town, and from the Borough of Sefton more widely, who played their part in defending the country during the war. 

The oak will now grow and be looked after in Duke Street Park across a lifespan of up to and possibly over 100 years.

Celebrating legacy

Cllr Carol Richards, representing Sefton Council as well as The Mersey Forest as a member of its steering committee, was among those who spoke at the ceremony. 

Cllr Richards said: “The oak tree has a special history with Merseyside. It’s said that some of the acorns from the 1,000-year-old Allerton Oak were planted by members of the Armed Forces across the European front and may still be growing today. 

“Monday’s ceremonial planting was a lovely event to commemorate not just those who gave their lives in service of their country and freedom, but the many who returned and carried on their legacy. Oaks embody strength, resilience and longevity, all values shared by those who have served.” 

Cllr Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, added: “It was an honour to take part in this event and celebrate our work with The Mersey Forest. 

“The oak planted in Duke Street Park will continue to grow for generations to come, continuing our commemoration of those who gave everything to protect us.” 

The event followed on from Sefton’s Remembrance Sunday services, in which communities up and down the Borough came together to pay their respects with a minute’s silence. 

A silence was also observed across the Borough at 11am on Tuesday 11th November, which marked 107 years since the Armistice brought an end to World War I.