A COVID memorial forest is set to be created in Malvern to remember those who have died in the pandemic.

Councillors have agreed a deal with the Madresfield Estate to use an area of woodland next to Goodson Road, by the retail park in Malvern, for an initial 10 year period.

The aim will be to create "an enhanced green space for the community to enjoy" as well as provide "a quiet space for contemplation and reflection."

The Wood of Thanks is aimed at being a tribute to the community response to the pandemic and will include a memorial area to those who have lost their lives to the virus.

The council will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the woodland with an initial £20,000 set aside to fund work.

It is planned bids for other funding will be made to support the project.

The plan for the woodland includes improving the habitat by clearing more invasive plant species and planting native plants and installing bird and bat boxes.

The entrance will also be enhanced. Benches will be installed, and footpaths extended to allow for more seating and access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Tall tree stumps will be kept and turned into carving artwork.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We’re grateful to Madresfield Estate for their support and agreeing to let us use the woodland.

"We plan to work with the community to turn it into a very special place for everyone.

"We want it to be somewhere people can come and remember loved ones they’ve lost as a result of Covid-19 but also as a way of marking the amazing efforts of our NHS, communities and frontline workers who helped us through the pandemic."

Jeremy Hill, the estate manager for the Madresfield Estate, said: "The Madresfield Estate is delighted to be working alongside Malvern Hills District Council in this initiative, and it is hoped that the woodland will provide an opportunity amongst nature for remembrance, and to reflect on the pandemic and the importance of our local community in meeting such challenges."

There were however some opposing voices to the plans.

Conservative councillor James O'Donnell called it a waste of money, saying there were better uses for the funding.

He said: "Whilst the Conservatives within Malvern Hills District Council fully support improving the natural environment, we are struggling to see how the creation and extension of gravel footpaths, park benches and artworks such as totem poles crafted from cut down trees will deliver benefits to the local wildlife.

"Creating a memorial garden as part of our redevelopment of Priory Park would make more sense than cutting down trees along a natural barrier between housing in the Link, and the Retail Park.

"I fear all we are creating is a new area for people to eat their takeaway burgers and dump their litter.

"The only wildlife I can see thriving in this initiative are the rats.”

Cllr Caroline Baldwin argued local landowners would be more than willing to give over land for the creation of space such as wildflower meadows.

She said: "We should not be spending money taking on piecemeal patches of land.

"We should be working with landowners such as the Malvern Hills Trust to have a clear strategy for improving our natural environment for the benefit of all."

The plans were discussed at the Executive Committee meeting of Malvern Hills District Council on June 22.

Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Jeremy Owenson, who could not attend the meeting due to self-isolating due to Covid, said: “The Malvern’s are a beautiful place to live.

"People come here to see the natural heart of England.

"We deserve a better strategy to protect our environment than the crop of vanity projects this council are churning out.”