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The Monument

Woodbridge Trees for Peace are publicly dedicated as tangible symbols for the invisible condition we call 'peace'. 

The Monument's fundamental idea is to use trees in ways that symbolise peace and that, critically, encourage thoughts, talk and activity to make peace strong. The time and space needed to achieve that have suggested a monument that is large. This one can be seen from space, and it can be made larger.

Woodbridge Tree for Peace 2017

Norwegian Maple
An acer platanoides, Norway Maple ‘Goldsworth Purple’, close to Kingston Farm Road IP12 4BE in Woodbridge, Suffolk, and at What3Words ///clock.watch.piglets The tree was planted in 1955 near the northern corner of a field given then by that farm to the town for a recreation ground. It is in the eastern sector of the Monument and was chosen in 2017 as a symbol of peace for its commanding size and character and the summertime popularity of its generous shelter. Its symbolism was quickly captured in poetry by Kate Foley (link). It
attracts vigils at times of public concern about peace.

Woodbridge Tree for Peace 2021

American Oak
A quercus rubra American Oak in a corner of Woodbridge’s Fen Meadow on an extension of Portland Crescent at IP12 4BG and at What3Words ///cheerful.dinner.fuses. It was planted around 1995 to add characterful interest to the summit of a popular footpath and vista towards the town centre. It is on the northern edge of the Monument and was chosen in 2021 as a second symbol of peace overlooking the site of a Napoleonic era military hospital on the lower part of the Meadow. There is a seat nearby looking towards the town and an explanatory plaque on the cemetery fence.

Origin, inspiration, vision and motivation

The origin of the Woodbridge Trees for Peace Monument was in 2017.
Its inspiration was a century of insightful progress in knowing and understanding peace.
Its vision is to elevate the profile of Peace alongside that of War.
Its motivations included
- the persistence and degenerating character of violent conflict
- the evidence that peace is becoming weaker and
- the low profile in public education of knowledge and understanding about peace

Embodiment, growth and purpose

In 2017 a Town Council owned tree was agreed to become a tangible symbol for peace.
In 2021 a second tree was agreed, to create a Trail for Peace - a larger symbol for peace.
In 2025 this website has been created as the Monuments 3rd dimension because it’s time to move on from symbolism to Learning and Action for Peace.  Become better informed by a modern monument.
Peace is a condition that is in our hands
It's a monument to help us be better informed.
A monument to turn our minds and hands to making a stronger peace.

A monument beyond the trees: trail for peace

The Trail can be found and followed from convenient parking at locations near the Trees in UK Postcode areas IP12 4BG or IP12 4BE. There is alternative parking at The Avenue IP12 4BA, at Woodbridge Station or on Broom Heath IP12 4DL, as well as roadside parking elsewhere.

This pleasant 2-mile circular walk connects Woodbridge’s two special Trees for Peace to form the larger Woodbridge Monument for Peace. The Trail can be taken in shorter sections from several natural starting points, each with convenient on-street or payable parking. Take care where ground is uneven, and special care when it is wet.

The Trail has both well-being and educational benefits. Many points on the walk merit pauses to take in special features that relate to our natural capacities as makers and keepers of peace.

It is a Trail for Peace in the sense that some of those places may remind us of forgotten or neglected capacities that can bring still more joy and - yes - peace to our lives and to the lives of others. More informative details will be available on the website.
Meanwhile, the numbered points on the accompanying map draw attention to the following of our capacities, facilities, actions and experiences that empower us as makers of peace.

1 Community provision for safety – Use it!
2 The town’s first Tree for Peace from 2017
3 Civic recreation ground – made peaceful even during wild soccer matches, by rules & referees
4 Scan from left to right across the river in humility at our part in the millennia seen here.
5 RSPB - respect for others in our environment.
6 Voluntary co-operation in one of the world’s oldest ( 1838 ) sailing clubs
7 Sanctuary here for saltmarsh flora colonizing a spot out of the river’s mainstream.
8 Tolerance of disturbance decides which survive
9 Forgiveness if given & received makes peace
10 Non-violence reduces risk of future conflict
11 Vigilance to help us ‘nip trouble in the bud’
12 Joy we can share in a glorious marine-scape.
13 Red/green buoy conventions keep sailing safe
14 The 1879 generosity of John Loder in making a cutting to avoid Troublesome Reach
15 Consider empathy with the 300 million who live on wet land like that of Loder’s Island
16 Find care, fortitude and maybe persistence for the rough track on Kyson Hill
17 With patience here you may see doves sighted by others in this pine plantation.
18 Recognise the kindness of giving land here to the National Trust.
19 Local government works steadily to recover this heathland from damage by fire
20 See through the hedge the tranquility of Woodbridge Town’s rural setting
21 Admire the ‘kissing’ gate’s control of the freedom to enter this sensitive woodland
22 Find and rest peacefully on one of the Trail’s most secluded benches.
23 Acknowledge kindness again, in the Woodland Trust’s care and Dr Porter’s gift
24 Communication concealed in a ‘gaggle’ (?) of mysterious roadside ‘boxes’
25 What does it feel like hemmed in here. To share in peace ‘Build bridges, not walls.’
26 Avid gardeners here let passers-by share the delights of their creation. Generosity!
27 ‘Pilot’s House’ on the corner here as a reminder of a public service of yesteryear.
28 The town’s second Tree for Peace from 2021
29 Look with belated compassion at the lower meadow, site of a Napoleonic era field
hospital
30 See 25 above
31 Before turning, glance from here further into the old town.
1 As above, cross this road safely

Michael Madden Founder 07891 401420
Woodbridge Trees and Monument 250505

The virtual monument

Trees from around the country that act as a symbol for peace in our virtual monument

Make yours a tree for peace

By sending a photo and location of one of your own trees, you can help to grow the monument.  This reinforces the idea that peace is everywhere and that every tree can be a symbol for it.
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