THE ZEPHANIAH FOREST
Qian Zephaniah, her close friends and family planted the first tree (Milky Way tree from China), and subsequent four trees, in The Zephaniah Forest – the 65 strong legacy mini-forest being planted in Burbury Park, in memory of her husband Benjamin Zephaniah, this winter.
Today marks the first day of National Tree Week 2024, that’s why this magnificent group of people, with Benjamin’s loving wife, joined us during Storm Burt this morning. The rain and wind didn’t stop us, with Qian recording the journey of the trees being planted, and the story behind how the forest came to be, as part of an upcoming documentary.
NATIONAL TREE WEEK 2024
The pair of trees planted at the entrance to Farm Street, where Benjamin grew up with his family, will forever symbolise him and his sister Velda – whose daughter attended with Qian – who also regrettably passed away this year. We hope that these trees can bring a small sense of peace to the family at this difficult time.
We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the incredible backers of our fundraising campaign, and our corporate sponsors, Trees for Cities, Birmingham City Council, Veolia UK, Frank P Matthews, and everyone else who has contributed to this wonderful commemorative forest.
BTP will be planting throughout the season with groups, sponsors, and of course the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group, and these dates will be released soon!
Thank you to everyone who has made this happen, the Rangers Penny and Simon, and especially to Qian and her friends for their tenacious spirits and hard work – don’t forget, send us your poems by the 1st December to be paired with the trees!