Home / Environment / Arboretum Rebrands Amid Visitor Backlash
Arboretum Rebrands Amid Visitor Backlash
30 Sep
Summary
- The National Memorial Arboretum is rebranding to Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.
- The name change followed the arboretum's full integration into its parent charity, the RBL.
- Approximately 25,000 people signed a petition against the rebranding.
The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, is undergoing a significant rebranding and will officially operate under a new name starting Wednesday. The 150-acre site will now be known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.
This name change marks the arboretum's full integration into its parent charity, the Royal British Legion (RBL). The decision to rename the cherished site has provoked a strong negative reaction from visitors and some veterans.
A petition opposing the rebranding efforts has gathered approximately 25,000 signatures. The RBL acknowledged the transition in a social media post, emphasizing that while it's a new chapter after 25 years, their fundamental purpose remains the same.
The arboretum features 420 memorials dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of armed forces, emergency services, and various civilian organizations. It also includes memorials such as the Sands charity's baby loss memorial.
