In a touching story that first made headlines in 2012, a British man named Howard Howes created a lasting tribute to his late wife, Janet, by planting thousands of oak trees in a six-acre field near his farm in Wickwar, Gloucestershire. The remarkable memorial includes a heart-shaped clearing in the middle of the forest, carefully positioned to point toward Janet’s childhood home on Wotton Hill.
Howard Howes posing with his late wife Janet, Photo Credit: Facebook/British Heart Foundation
Howard and Janet were married in 1962, and she sadly passed away in 1995 at the age of 50 due to heart failure. Grieving her loss, Howard came up with the heartfelt idea of forming a symbolic heart in her memory. His project involved planting several thousand oak trees around the perimeter, with a seat placed within the heart where he could sit and reflect on their life together.
The existence of the heart-shaped meadow remained a secret for years until hot air balloon enthusiast Andy Collett, 42, flew overhead and discovered the breathtaking sight. Collett described it as the most remarkable view he had ever seen from the sky, calling it a powerful and hidden expression of love.
The forest of trees Howard Howes planted in memory of his wife that forms a heart-shaped clearing in the middle, Photo Credit: Facebook/British Heart Foundation
The secret heart is only accessible through a track leading up to its tip.
Howard explained that he had hired people to help with the planting and added hedges to frame the heart. Daffodils bloom in the center of the clearing each spring, adding even more beauty to the already symbolic space. Occasionally, Howard visits the site to sit quietly and remember Janet.
“I also flew over it myself about five years ago,” he added.
Speaking of the tremendous discovery, Collett stated: “I have m
The tribute was carefully designed, with the point of the heart intentionally aligned with Wotton Hill, connecting Janet’s memory with her roots. Over time, the trees have grown to form a flourishing woodland, with the meadow at its center preserved as a place of peace and remembrance.
Howard even had the chance to fly over the site himself, seeing from above the love-filled legacy he created—one that will continue to grow for generations.
