+44 (0)333 202 6800National Memorial Arboretum
Recycled plastic timber specialist Plaswood supported the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire with a project to refurbish the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial, a tribute to 309 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed during World War I.
Nestled in an area impacted by flooding, the original memorial was constructed using timber posts that required frequent replacement every four to seven years due to rot. To address these challenges, the Arboretum purchased Plaswood's recycled plastic lumber for its resilience and longevity.
Plaswood supplied 309 posts – one for each of the soldiers – to replace the worn timber, ensuring the memorial can withstand natural elements for years to come without the need for constant upkeep. Plaswood's recycled plastic timber is rot-resistant making it ideal for in-ground applications in flood-prone areas where traditional timber cannot endure.
The restoration was supported by hundreds of individual donors and nearly 200 corporate volunteers, highlighting widespread public commitment to preserving this unique tribute.
In addition to the memorial posts, Plaswood supplied three recycled plastic benches for visitors to use, providing a durable and sustainable seating option. One of these benches was gifted to the Arboretum as an illustration of Plaswood’s commitment to this important memorial.
The Shot at Dawn Memorial, first dedicated in 2001, recognises soldiers convicted of desertion and other military charges, many of whom were denied a fair defence before receiving death sentences. The memorial is one of the Arboretum’s most recognisable memorials, drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to remember the soldiers who faced this tragic fate.
Maria Howes, Head of Marketing and Business Development at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “Our visitors regularly tell us how deeply affected they are by the Shot at Dawn Memorial, from the symbolism of its location and layout to the individual stories of the young men who were killed. Sadly, due to its location next to the River Tame, repeated flooding events exacerbated the deterioration of the grounds and posts which have had to be replaced several times over the years.
“Working together with our grounds team, often in challenging conditions, a force of volunteers replaced the memorial’s 309 posts, while improving drainage and making the memorial more accessible. The donated Plaswood bench now sits alongside the refurbished memorial, providing space for visitors to sit while they remember the young men commemorated by the memorial.
“By purchasing long-lasting Plaswood products we are ensuring that this memorial will be preserved for future generations. The posts and benches will withstand the elements and look fantastic for years to come, and the use of recycled material makes them an effective sustainable option.”
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