GeoGraph - photograph every grid square

Entrance to the National Memorial Arboretum and the Berlin Airlift Memorial

The arboretum is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and, apart from the parking charge, entrance is free. Planting began here in 1997 and there is a lot to see in the 150-acre ex-gravel-pit site. The main building has a good cafe and gift shop. Upon entry, you are greeted by staff and volunteers, who can answer all your questions. I found my whole visit very moving and informative. In our age of regular media reporting and glorified cinema shows, we tend to be well-removed from the real events. This site is a must for everyone to visit.

Outside the main entrance is the British Berlin Airlift Memorial, which commemorates the 39 personnel who lost their lives in the 1948-9 airlift to deliver food and supplies to two million besieged Berliners. The sculptor was Andy de Comyn and the three ribs symbolise the British, French and American sectors of the city. The life-size wooden Golden Eagle was carved by the Essex School of Woodcarvers.