Why changing the name of the National Memorial Arboretum is causing controversy

The National Memorial Arboretum, one of the main focal points for remembrance in the UK, announced last month it would have a different name from September - and that decision has caused controversy

The site in Alrewas, Staffordshire, home to more than 400 memorials, will be known instead as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.

The arboretum said the move came as part of the site's full integration with the Royal British Legion (RBL), its parent charity since 2003.

However, thousands have signed a petition opposing the change.

Officials said the RBL National Remembrance Gardens name reflected the site's "evolution" over the past 25 years and marked the merging of the site with its parent charity.

"The new name better reflects what the site has become and its role at the centre of the RBL's national remembrance activity, while remaining rooted in the same founding principles and visitor experience," an RBL spokesperson said.

The change would simplify the running of the site, they added, with only one board of trustees across both organisations, cutting administrative duplication, lowering costs and allowing for "greater agility in decision making".

The move also meant more funds could be invested into the site and opened up further fundraising opportunities, they added.

"This move also unlocks the ability for further investment in the thriving events and learning programmes," the spokesperson said, "ensuring more people of all backgrounds and communities have access to and can participate in remembrance."

Commander David Childs, who founded the arboretum, said he supported the changes, including with the name.

He said his original ambition was to create a "living place of remembrance rooted in trees", which offered a "dedicated space" to reflect on service and sacrifice.

"Over time, that vision has grown organically, shaped by those who cared for it and by the many communities who found meaning here," he added.

Childs said the RBL had provided the "care stewardship and investment" needed to help the site "flourish and truly become the nation's year-round place to remember".

Mark Atkinson, director general of the RBL, said the arboretum was a "remarkable place" and "held a special place" within the charity.

While Phillipa Rawlinson, director of the arboretum and of remembrance at the RBL, praised the site's team and the wider community who "deeply care" about preserving the stories behind the memorials.

She said the merger gave them the "strongest possible foundation for the future" and the site would continue to operate as normal.

More than 7,000 people have signed a change.org petition calling for the RBL and arboretum to "preserve the name" of the site.

Those behind it claim any change to the name would undermine its heritage along with the "deep emotional connections many have with it".

"Changing the name of such a significant landmark would result in the loss of its unique identity, which has been carefully built over the years," the petition added.

"For families, veterans, and educational groups, the arboretum is synonymous with memories and learning that are priceless."

Responding to the petition, a spokesperson for the RBL said the name reflected the site's evolution and its place at the heart of RBL's remembrance work.

They said the naming process also included research and consultation with the public and members of the armed forces community, volunteers, and staff.

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