Displaced Ukrainians and local residents gathered at Morgan Jones Park for the second phase of the Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard: a refugee-led memorial created to thank Wales for its support during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The emotionally resonant event featured the planting of fruit trees, sunflowers, and a chestnut memorial tree in honour of a fallen Ukrainian soldier. A moving Unity Circle formed around Ukrainian widow Dariia as her husband’s own composed music played, a moment that captured the depth of loss and solidarity.
“The Gratitude Orchard is more than symbolic — it’s about real friendship and lasting bonds,” said Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council. “We’re proud to stand with the Ukrainian community and to help grow this space of remembrance and hope.”
Attendees participated in activities including poetry readings, a children’s art exchange, and the sealing of a time capsule filled with messages to the future.
Event organiser Yuliia Bond reflected: “Today, we’re not just planting trees — we’re planting memories, stories, and a shared vision of unity that stretches far beyond Caerphilly.”
Organised by Ukrainians in Caerphilly, Displaced People in Action, CCBC, and Climate Action Caerphilly, the Orchard is believed to be the only refugee-led living memorial of its kind in the world and serves a reminder that real people are affected by this devastating conflict.
