Seaford to remember its 104 war dead with planting of elm trees

Across the world, millions lost their lives.

Seaford’s war memorial lists 104 dead: a huge number given the size of the town at the time.

The actual number who died was higher as not all the men and boys lost were listed on the memorial.

Planting a tree is a traditional way to remember a loved one and Seaford Tree Wardens hope each of its 104 new elm trees will be a lasting memorial to Seaford’s war dead.

They’ll be a living reminder of the sacrifice made by these men and boys so many years ago.

A council spokesman said; “For thousands of years, elms flourished across the UK and were a symbol of the British countryside.

“But in the 1970s elms were virtually wiped out by Dutch Elm Disease.

“Elms survived only in a few places, including in East Sussex, where the barrier of the South Downs protected them.

“East Sussex now has the UK’s largest collection of mature elm trees.

However, recently, our surviving elms have started succumbing to Dutch Elm Disease.

“The disease is difficult to control and sadly, more of our mature elms will be lost.”

Recent surveys by Butterfly Conservation and Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Wild About Seaford Project have recorded colonies of the endangered White-letter Hairstreak butterfly in Seaford.

This rare butterfly relies entirely on elm trees.

Butterfly Conservation have made the White-letter Hairstreak a UK Biodiversity Priority Species for conservation.

The council spokesman said: “However, it’s a race against time: the mature elm trees are dying and we need to plant new disease-resistant elms to save the butterfly.

“To remember Seaford’s WW1 war dead, Seaford Tree Wardens want to help residents plant 104 disease resistant elms in public and private spaces such as parks, schools, churchyards, residential homes, private or shared gardens.

“Seaford Tree Wardens are all volunteers – they are looking for help with finding sites, help with planting, looking after the trees once they are planted, and donations towards the cost and upkeep of the trees.”

• Do you work or live somewhere with space to plant a tree – or several?

• Do you live near a park or green space? Could you and your neighbours help plant and care for some elm trees?

• Do you have space for an elm tree in your garden? Could you plant an Armistice elm?

•Can you help plant the trees in November?

Email seafordtreewardens@outlook.com