In September 2026, the National Memorial Arboretum will become the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.

The rebranding follows the full integration of the 150-acre estate with the Royal British Legion, the parent charity of the Arboretum since 2003.

This development reflects the evolution of the popular visitor destination over the past 25 years and the central role it plays in RBL’s vision to bring society together to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community. The integration of charity governance structures will enable sustained investment into the estate, building on the Arboretum’s success and legacy, helping create new opportunities for people to engage with Remembrance.

The new Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens logo and branding will have a phased introduction following the Arboretum’s renaming in September 2026.

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

“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.”

Part of the Royal British Legion since 2003, the National Memorial Arboretum has hosted large scale national commemorative events, including RBL’s Remembering VJ Day - 80 Years On in August 2025

Commander (Rtd) David Childs CBE, founder of the National Memorial Arboretum, has 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.”

Visited by more than 300,000 people each year, including over 26,000 young people on learning visits, the RBL National Remembrance Gardens will continue to provide a dedicated place to commemorate service and sacrifice by members of the Armed Forces, emergency services and civilian organisations. Its collection of more than 420 memorials will continue to grow and a vision for investment to enhance the site’s position as the nation’s year-round place to remember will be announced later this year.

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of the National Memorial Arboretum and RBL Director of Remembrance, said:

“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.”

Further information about the evolution of the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, including future plans and investment, will be shared later this year.