This heart-shaped forest was planted near Wickwar, in south Gloucestershire, England, by Winston Howes as a tribute to his wife who died of heart failure in 1995. On his farm, Howes drew a circle with a point facing the direction of her childhood home months after her death.
He then planted oak trees all around the circle. The trees have grown, but the curious shape is visible only from the air. About a decade ago, a hot air balloonist stumbled upon the small meadow which had been a family secret.
Winston Howes created this heart-shaped forest clearing as a lasting tribute to his wife, as thousands of oak saplings were planted in a 6-acre field, leaving only a heart-shaped area in the center facing his wife’s childhood home at Wotton Hill. The forest has grown into a full forest now, with a peaceful center where Mr. Howes can sit and remember the best times he spent with his loved one.
A flash of inspiration inspired me to plant several thousand oak trees. After it was completed, we built a bench overlooking the hill near where she used to live. I like to sit there and think about things,’ she said. It is a beautiful and lasting tribute to her that will endure for many years.
Within months of her death, he marked out the massive heart shape with a large hedge next to his farmhouse.
Only a track leading up to its tip provides access to the secret heart.
Several thousand trees will be removed, Mr. Howes added.
A hedge was erected around the heart, around which large oak trees were planted. The heart points towards Wotton Hill, where Janet grew up. We plant daffodils in the middle that bloom in the spring – it looks lovely. From time to time, I sit in the seat and enjoy it.
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