A group of local residents and garden enthusiasts recently approached the British Muslim Heritage Centre about creating a small avenue of five new trees in the grounds, close to the College Road frontage. They proposed a range of species which will all blossom in the spring, intended to provide an annual reminder of the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and support reflection on the terrible toll of lives lost to Covid-19, while also leaving a symbolic legacy of beauty pointing to a better future for the community and for nature.

The donation and planting of the trees was led by Yvonne Jez, Madeleine Edwards and Robina Shah, joined in the sunshine this morning by more College Road neighbours and BMHC supporters and by Afzal Khan MP and Whalley Range Councillors Aftab Razaq and Angeliki Stogia. Angeliki said “It was a real pleasure to join in the planting this morning – this is a wonderful initiative by local residents which will hopefully lead to much more in the future.” Yvonne explains “The communal planting and dedication of trees by members of the BMHC and residents of Whalley Range provides an opportunity for us to come together, enjoy nature, commemorate and reflect on an extraordinary time, and to say thank you to or celebrate the life of someone we love”.