Using The Trees

Heart forest

So what was Winston’s big plan then? Well, everything was in the trees that he had planted in the land he bought with his wife. The whole forest was actually a representation, both figuratively and literally, of the love that he shared with Janet through all those years. It was a way he could showcase their bond and all the years they had spent together.

A Widower’s Tribute

Heart forest - widower's tribute

So it turns out, only a few people who helped in creating this forest knew about what it was all for. No one knew that this creation existed. This very special memorial for Winston’s wife had been kept a secret for over 17 years. The secret finally spilled when the hot air balloon pilot Andy Collett flew over the location of Winston and Janet’s shed. The pilot was left in awe looking at the breathtaking work of Winston.

The Heart-Shaped Forest

Heart forest - widower's tribute

So why were the trees planted for his wife so special? What made it stand out from other man-made forests? The forest had been designed in the shape of a heart. It was way beyond anyone’s expectation or imagination. He had made sure the middle of the foliage was in the shape of a heart. It was a true symbol of their life and love together on the land. He knew she would be smiling down from the heavens looking at him and his creation.

For Remembrance

Heart forest

The heart shape in the middle was not all. Winston made sure to plant Janet’s favorite flower, daffodils on the inside of the heart. He kept a bench to sit on in the clearing as well. “I sometimes go down there, just to sit and think about things,” Winston admitted. It was a symbol of the beautiful life he shared with Janet. It will remain so for decades to come as well and is undoubtedly a touching effort.

A Pointing Heart

Heart forest - widower's tribute

The saplings Winston had planted took years to grown and finally, after years, pilot Andy Collett was able to discover it. There was something much deeper to the meaning of this site than just Winston and Janet’s love for each other. It was something only he and Janet were in on. The bottom of the heart pointed towards a village called Wotton Hill – where Janet was raised. “It is a lovely and lasting tribute to Janet which will be here for years,” Winston revealed.

Origin Of This Idea

Heart forest - widower's tribute

The farm was about 112 acres. It is indeed a massive plot of land. This idea was not something that comes to Winston immediately. It took him quite a long time and even a longer time to make everything come to reality. This was not an easy task and it was a challenge for an engineer too. Winston could not just clear out the trees in the middle after growing the trees. He had to plan and grow every detail himself…