City of Lincoln Council has proudly demonstrated its support for the nationwide Veterans’ Oaks initiative with the planting of an oak tree on Lincoln’s South Common.
Veterans’ Oaks is a community-led initiative marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, historically known as the ‘oak anniversary’.
Launched in 2025, the campaign invites communities across the United Kingdom to plant oak trees as living memorials, commemorating the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the wartime generation, both military personnel and civilians, while also committing to a greener, more sustainable future.
The oak tree, long regarded as a symbol of strength, unity and endurance within British culture, reflects the values embodied by those who lived through wartime adversity. Through the simple but powerful act of planting, Veterans’ Oaks bridges remembrance with environmental action, contributing to biodiversity, enriching the nation’s natural heritage and supporting the fight against climate change.
The tree planting on South Common was attended by Cllr Rebecca Longbottom, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council; Steve Bird, Assistant Director for Communities and Street Scene; Julian Free CBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln; and Victoria Whaley, Partnership & Expertise Manager at the Forestry Commission.
Cllr Rebecca Longbottom said:
“Lincoln has a proud and enduring connection with our Armed Forces community, and we are honoured to support the Veterans’ Oaks initiative here on South Common. This oak tree stands not only as a tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War, but also as a living commitment to future generations.”
Maj Gen (Retd) Julian Free CBE spent 31 years serving in the Army with deployments including Kuwait, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was made aware of the Veterans’ Oak by a friend and former Army officer who is now CEO of the Forestry Commission and is supporting the initiative.
Julian said:
“I am delighted the city has planted an oak to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of the wartime generation who secured our freedom. Planted in sight of the Bomber Command Memorial where another oak has been planted and forming a line to Riseholme where the University is planting an oak it will perhaps give people pause to think about what it takes to defend our way of life in an increasingly unsettled world.”
The initiative is supported by the Forestry Commission, which plays a vital role in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges through the preservation of thriving trees, woods, and forests.
The Commission administers grants for new woodlands and woodland management in England, provides advice to the Government, undertakes research, sets standards for good forestry practice and protects Britain’s forests from pests and diseases.
Veterans’ Oaks will continue throughout 2026, encouraging individuals, community groups, businesses and members of the Armed Forces Community to take part. Planting season runs from October to March, when oak trees are dormant and most likely to thrive.
Through Veterans’ Oaks, remembrance becomes an active commitment, honouring history while safeguarding the environment. Every oak planted is a pledge: to remember with gratitude, to protect our natural world and to shape a future worth inheriting.