Woodend Avenue of Honour
Discover the story of 221 Oaks lining the main street of a small town to commemorate the great toll of the First World War
By National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
This site is part of the traditional land of the Dja Dja Wurrung people
Poppy memorial, Woodend Avenue of Honour monument (2022/2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
In Australia, those who served in war have often been commemorated by rows of trees, known as Avenues of Honour. The practice was popularised during and after World War I, particularly in the state of Victoria, where 472 Avenues were planted.
These living memorials are a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on families and communities, and a symbol of how grief can manifest within a community to ensure that those who lost their lives in the line of service are remembered.
Woodend, Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Each tree originally had its own memorial plaque to honour an enlisted soldier from the area.
Horse and cart Woodburn Avenue of Honour by Macedon Ranges Shire Council National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
The Woodend Avenue of Honour is one of only a small number of avenues in Victoria to use English Oaks.
221 English, Algerian, and hybrid Oaks line the main street of the small town.
Oak leaves in summer, Woodend Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Symbolically connected with virtue and majesty, Oak trees have a very strong link to various myths and legends in Ancient British and Germanic lore.
Oak leaves, Woodend Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Most relevant to being planted in an Avenue of Honour, perhaps, is the association of Oaks with the virtues of kindness and nurturing, as well as the ability to fight when needed.
Woodend Avenue of Honour sign by Macedon Ranges Shire Council National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
The Avenue is an impressive visual landmark and key landscape feature of the district, and an enduring symbol of remembrance.
Explore Woodend Avenue of Honour
Image Credit: Macedon Ranges Shire, Peter Stenzel
The National Trust Register of Significant Trees recognises individual trees, avenues and important stands as valuable community assets that must be preserved. Since 1982, more than 1,200 significant trees have been registered across Victoria. Read more at https://trusttrees.org.au/
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.
