Shropshire's Remembrance wreaths given sustainable makeover
The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire and her team have joined forces with more than 20 Women's Institute groups to create eco-friendly wreaths for this year's Remembrance events
Traditional Remembrance wreaths are being given a sustainable makeover in Shropshire, thanks to a collaboration between the county's Lord-Lieutenant and Women's Institute groups.
Mrs Anna Turner and her team of Deputy Lieutenants will lay the handmade wreaths on Remembrance and Armistice Days to honour those who lost their lives in conflicts around the world.
The wreaths have been made using wooden bases and foliage collected from gardens across the county.
They have been decorated with knitted and crocheted poppies, made from donated and recycled wool by more than 20 WI groups.
Deputy Lieutenant Tullis Matson contacted WI groups across Shropshire to invite them to take part, with hundreds of handmade poppies subsequently delivered by representatives.
A series of wreath-making sessions, co-ordinated by Sarah Matson, brought volunteers together to assemble the finished designs.
Each wreath is unique and features a card of remembrance.
The Lieutenancy team also plans to collect any parts of the wreaths that can be reused next year, helping to reduce waste.
Mrs Turner said: "I am delighted to be part of this project. Sustainability is part of the King's message – indeed he has championed environmental and nature causes for over 50 years.
"Collaboration with the WI groups has been a powerful way to drive local engagement, bringing together passionate, community-minded individuals."
Rather than buying wreaths this year, the Lieutenancy will make donations to the Royal British Legion and Soldiers of Shropshire.