The restoration of the Avenue is part of a wider project that will see resurfacing around the 29th Division Monument, wildflower seeding on the roundabout and a new interpretation board about the 29th Division and King George V’s visit to see the troops at Knightlow Hill in 1915.

Lucy Hawker, Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme Manager, said “As we reach the centenaries of the Nation’s WWI memorials, it’s fantastic to see this living memorial, so valued by the local community and the Gallipoli Association, getting the care that will help it continue through its next century.”

Highways England Designated Environment Fund lead Tina Barrington said “Highways England is committed to providing a strategic road network that works more harmoniously with its surroundings. This includes enhancing the landscape and biodiversity along our roads but also improving and restoring the cultural heritage assets on and around our network. We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project that will pay fitting tribute to those who fought in this campaign and also be a valuable asset for the local community and beyond.”

David Cook, Assistant Landscape Architect at Kier, said “It has been a great privilege to be given the opportunity to work on this project and learn about the historical significance of the memorial. The scheme will hopefully see a long-lasting benefit to the environment, local community and create a landscape that can continue to commemorate the past. There has been a close collaboration between many teams and disciplines to develop a great scheme and my thanks to them all for their hard work to get to this point”.