Root yourself in the history of The Burn

24th July 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the death of James Russell, who was tragically killed in action during WWII. His sad death prompted his family to gift The Burn to Goodenough College.  People from all parts of the world have been inspired and refreshed from visiting The Burn and we now ask our local, regional, national, and international friends to join us in remembering James by helping us to plant 75 trees.

Black and white head and neck photograph of James Russell

James Russell

James was 21 when he was killed, thus we plan to plant 21 Silver Birch trees to represent the youth and potential that was lost. He was a lieutenant in the British Indian Army in command of 36 soldiers and we will reflect that by planting 36 Italian Cypress trees to represent his soldiers and the Italian theatre of war. The final 18 trees will be planted in specific locations to create focal points within The Burn Estate, and will represent his proud service with the 3rd Battalion of the 15th Punjab Regiment.

We are asking generous individuals, groups and organisations to show their support by sponsoring the planting of one or more trees. Sponsoring a tree could be a way of remembering someone or something special or commemorate a special time at the Burn.  All sponsors will be awarded a certificate of association and appreciation and have their dedication recorded in a commemorative record that will be held at The Burn.

There are three levels of sponsorship:

1. £150 will buy an Italian Cypress to be planted in The Burn garden. 

2. £200 will buy a Silver Birch to be planted along the banks of The Burn. 

3. £250 will buy a focal point tree such as an Oak or Cedar to be planted at key locations within the Burn estate. 

To make a donation please click the 'Plant a tree' button and then fill out our short donation form. PLANT A TREE

PLEASE NOTE – you will be directed to a page on the Goodenough College website where you can choose which level of support you would like to give.  

The Burn, on behalf of Goodenough College, would like to thank all who sponsor a tree, and, in the words of Alexander Smith, ‘A man doesn’t plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity’.