Call to plant symbolic Anne Frank Trees

The Anne Frank Trust UK is calling on people to plant symbolic treesto replace Anne Frank’s beloved chestnut tree that toppled and died. 

In the early afternoon of 23 August strong winds caused the iconic chestnut tree behind Anne Frank’s hiding place in Amsterdam to topple and die. Executive Director Gillian Walnes MBE said: “We are asking people to keep Anne’s hopes and dreams alive by planting a tree to symbolically replace this special tree that has just been lost to the world. We have been encouraging the planting of Anne Frank Trees since 1998and hundreds have already been planted up and down the country. They can be found in very prominent places like Hyde Park; the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, as well as outside town halls; schools; cathedrals and churches; hospitals and even prisons.  Anne Frank Trees also honour and memorialise the millions of children like Anne who have died as a result of persecution, conflict and inhumanity. 

Anne Frank had written in her diary about this tree - her only contact with the outside world for the 25 months she was in hiding. On 23 February 1944 she wrote: "From my favourite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver."  Anne died the following year, aged just 15, of typhus and starvation in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

For a free Anne Frank Tree information pack contact the Anne Frank Trust on info@annefrank.org.ukor call 020 7284 5858.  Gillian Walnes is available to speak to press, TV and radio 07770 747374.