Winston and Janet Howes shared a love story that seemed destined to last forever. Married in 1962, they spent over three decades together, creating a life filled with joy, laughter, and the simple pleasures of farm life in South Gloucestershire. Their bond was unbreakable, and together they raised a family while nurturing their land. But in 1995, their idyllic life was shattered when Janet tragically passed away from heart failure at just 50 years old. Winston was devastated by the sudden loss, and the void left by his beloved wife was immense.
Rather than succumbing to his grief, Winston channeled his sorrow into something truly remarkable. He decided to honor Janet’s memory in a way that would reflect the depth of his love for her. What started as a quiet, personal tribute soon grew into a grand gesture of devotion, though it remained hidden from the world for many years. Unbeknownst to most, Winston’s creation would eventually be discovered in the most breathtaking way, becoming a symbol of enduring love that captivated everyone who saw it.
The Tragic Loss and a Lasting Tribute
Winston and Janet Howes had built a life full of love and shared memories, but everything changed in 1995 when Janet passed away unexpectedly. The loss was profound, leaving Winston grappling with the enormity of his grief. In the midst of this, he found inspiration—to create something enduring in Janet’s memory.
Rather than a conventional memorial, Winston sought to reflect the natural beauty Janet loved. He decided to plant thousands of oak trees on their six-acre property, arranging them into a heart-shaped meadow visible only from the sky. This heartfelt gesture was a deeply personal project, kept secret for 17 years.
Crafting the Heart-Shaped Woodland
For Winston, creating the heart-shaped woodland was a heartfelt journey that kept Janet’s memory alive. After losing her, he felt an urgent need to honor her in a way that felt deeply personal. He chose a six-acre patch of their farm, envisioning a secret sanctuary that would bloom with life but remain hidden from view. As he mapped out the heart’s design, he poured over every detail, wanting each tree to symbolize a piece of the love they shared.
Winston gathered a few close friends and family to help plant thousands of oak trees, each one infused with memories of Janet. Together, they worked under the sun, laughter mingling with tears as they dug holes and positioned the trees just right. For Winston, every tree felt like a conversation with her, a way to keep her spirit close. He envisioned an open meadow at the heart’s center—a tranquil spot where he could sit quietly and remember. The path leading into the heart symbolized his journey through grief, offering a gentle reminder that he could walk into his cherished memories.
As the seasons passed, the woodland began to flourish, bringing Winston a sense of comfort and peace. Watching the trees grow strong and vibrant became a source of healing for him, transforming his tribute into a living testament of their love. This heart-shaped woodland evolved into a beautiful space, mirroring the enduring bond he and Janet shared, a place where he could find solace and connection with her every time he visited.
A Secret Revealed from the Sky
For 17 years, Winston’s tribute remained hidden, known only to his family and close friends. The heart-shaped woodland, tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside, was invisible from the ground. It was meant to be a quiet, private space for Winston to reflect, not a public spectacle. However, in 2012, fate intervened when a hot air balloonist named Andy Collett happened to fly over the area.
From above, Collett spotted the stunning heart-shaped formation of trees. It was unlike anything he had seen before. He described it as “the most amazing sight” he had ever witnessed from the sky. The intricate design, crafted over nearly two decades, told a love story that moved everyone who heard it. What had once been a private tribute soon captured the public’s imagination, as Winston’s quiet act of love became a symbol of devotion seen by the world.
Winston’s Vision: A Place for Reflection
Winston Howes’ vision for the heart-shaped woodland was born out of his grief, but it became something profoundly meaningful. After Janet’s passing, Winston found comfort in creating a space where he and his son could remember her in peace. This was not meant to be a public memorial but rather a personal sanctuary—a place to reflect and heal.
The heart-shaped meadow, surrounded by thousands of oak trees, was a symbol of love, pointing toward the town where Janet was born. For years, Winston would visit this hidden retreat, finding solace in its beauty and connection to his wife. It wasn’t just a tribute; it became a place where Winston could process his grief and feel close to Janet in a way words couldn’t capture.
Winston Howes lost his wife. He planted thousands of oak trees in a six-acre field
Once it was completed he put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live. He didn’t tell anyone.
Photo: SWNS pic.twitter.com/ka604PqdQa
— The English Oak Project (@TheKentAcorn) December 13, 2022
A Heartfelt Memorial
Creating the heart-shaped woodland was a labor of love. Winston’s tribute required meticulous planning and dedication. With the help of others, he planted thousands of oak trees, carefully designing the woodland to form the perimeter of a heart. The result was not only a beautiful natural landscape but also a living testament to Janet’s legacy.
A path leading to the heart symbolized the journey Winston had taken through grief. The heart pointed toward Janet’s birthplace, grounding the tribute in their shared history. A bench was placed within the meadow, offering Winston a peaceful spot to sit and reflect on their life together. Over time, this once-private gesture blossomed into something more, a lasting reminder of the deep love and connection they shared.
Love That Grows With Time
Winston Howes’ heart-shaped woodland stands as a powerful symbol of enduring love. What began as a personal way to cope with loss grew into a remarkable tribute, visible only from above, yet touching countless lives. The oak trees planted in Janet’s memory have flourished, standing tall as a testament to the bond they shared, a bond that transcends even death.
Each spring, the meadow blooms with daffodils, marking the change of seasons and serving as a reminder of Janet’s life and the love she inspired. Winston’s tribute, once hidden, now stands as a living memorial that continues to grow with each passing year. It is a quiet, yet profound, reminder that love can endure beyond time and space, just like the trees rooted deeply in their farm, flourishing with every season.