Following its recent integration with the Royal British Legion, the National Memorial Arboretum is entering a new chapter in its history. From September 2026, it will become known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, marking a significant moment in the evolution of the nation’s year‑round place to remember.
Over the past 25 years, the 150‑acre estate has grown from the seed of an idea into an inspirational living landscape of Remembrance. Welcoming more than 300,000 visitors each year, it has become a place where people can reflect, learn and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, emergency services and civilian organisations.
The Royal British Legion became the Arboretum’s parent charity in 2003, with full integration completed in April 2026. The new name reflects the RBL’s long‑term commitment to the site and its ambition, set out in its strategy to 2035, to evolve Remembrance and widen participation.
The Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens will continue to invite people not only to reflect, but to take an active part in Remembrance, helping to bring society together to recognise, remember and support the Armed Forces community.
“The National Memorial Arboretum is a remarkable place that has long held a special place within the Royal British Legion. Founded on an inspirational vision, its dedicated team has worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to solidify the site as the Nation’s year-round place to remember.
“This integration of governance opens the next chapter in its history, placing the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens at the heart of our Remembrance work. This strengthens our ability to invest in the long‑term future of the site, building on its incredible legacy while preserving the character, purpose and sense of welcome that mean so much to those who visit.”
Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion
Commander (Rtd) David Childs CBE, founder of the National Memorial Arboretum, has also expressed his support for the transition:
“When the Arboretum was founded, my ambition was to create a living place of Remembrance, rooted in trees, offering a dedicated space to reflect on service and sacrifice for our Nation. Over time, that vision has grown organically, shaped by those who cared for it and by the many communities who found meaning here. Today, the site is defined not only by its trees, but by the sculptures, symbolic planting and gardens that together encapsulate the spirit of Remembrance.
“In 2003, just a couple of years after opening to the public, the Royal British Legion became our parent charity. Since then, as custodians of the Arboretum, the RBL has provided the care, stewardship and investment needed to help the site flourish and truly become the Nation’s year‑round place to remember. I am excited to see how this inspirational place will continue to grow and evolve in the next chapter of its journey.”
The site’s collection of more than 420 memorials will continue to grow, alongside plans to invest further in the visitor experience, ensuring the Gardens remain a welcoming, relevant and meaningful place for generations to come.
"The National Memorial Arboretum is such a special place because of the commitment of our team members and the wider communities who care deeply about preserving the inspirational stories behind our more than 420 memorials. The full integration of the Arboretum and the RBL gives us the strongest possible foundation for the future, helping us pass the baton of Remembrance to future generations. Our team remains focused on caring for this unique place, staying true to our purpose and ensuring the future RBL National Remembrance Gardens will remain an accessible and inclusive world-class visitor destination, freely open to all."
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion
The new name of the RBL National Remembrance Gardens captures both the purpose of this special place and the way people experience it today. It describes a place that invites people in. Not just to reflect, but to take an active part in Remembrance.
The National Memorial Arboretum will continue to operate as normal as the new name is introduced. There will be no changes to the visitor experience, including the planned 25th anniversary programme.
Further information about the evolution of the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, including future plans and investment, will be shared later this year.