Ukrainian Families Plant "Community Gratitude Grove" as a token of thanks to the people of Oswestry

In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, members of the Ukrainian community in Oswestry have planted a “Community Gratitude Grove” at Wilfred Owen Green (August 24), expressing their thanks to the local people for the warmth, kindness, and care they have received since arriving in this beautiful part of Shropshire.

For over three and a half years, the community of Oswestry has opened its doors to more than 30 Ukrainian families displaced by the ongoing conflict. As Russian missiles continue to strike Ukrainian cities, these families have sought refuge in the UK, where they are striving to rebuild their lives and raise their children far from the devastation of war.

The new grove, a symbol of gratitude and hope, features a variety of trees, including both British and Ukrainian types of apples, plums, pears, and cherries. In just a few years, the orchard will bear fruit, a shared gift for the Oswestry community to enjoy. This thoughtful gesture represents a piece of Ukraine that lives on in the hearts and memories of those who have sought safety in Oswestry.

The planting event was made possible through the support of the local community, Oswestry Town councillors, Shropshire Council, and a range of local organisations committed to standing with Ukraine. Many families who have opened their homes to displaced Ukrainians, alongside local businesses and institutions, continue to provide vital support to Ukraine and its people.

Among those contributing to ongoing aid efforts are Holy Trinity Church, the Spiritual Centre, Oswestry Memorial Hall, Stef’s Food, Soma Space, local schools, and many others who send regular donations and supplies to Ukraine’s war-torn regions.

The Ukrainian community in Oswestry marked Ukraine’s Independence Day with a full day of celebration, planting trees in the morning followed by a communal gathering offering traditional refreshments in the afternoon. This event not only showcased the gratitude of the Ukrainian families but also underscored the deep bond between them and the people of Oswestry.

“We are incredibly thankful for the hospitality and support we’ve received since arriving here,” said one of the Ukrainian community leaders. “This grove is a small way of giving back and celebrating the kindness we have been shown.”

The “Community Gratitude Grove” serves as a lasting reminder of the enduring solidarity between the people of Oswestry and the Ukrainian families who now call it home.