Over 100 new trees for memorial woodland
Over 100 new trees are to be planted this winter at Bristol Memorial Woodlands, near Thornbury.
The new trees are being planted for those laid to rest at the site between October 2023 and September 2024, creating woodland where people can remember those loved ones.
This year’s planting will include Wild Cherry, English Oak, Hazel, Silver Birch, Hornbeam, Field Maple and Holly. They will be in the Earthcott burial grounds and the Earthcott field where ashes are interred.
A specimen Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani) has been planted in a newly opened field for interments. It was pot grown by Deepdale Nurseries and although it is not a native British species it is a favourite in burial grounds.
Cedar of Lebanon have thrived in the UK since the 1600s and are mentioned several times in the Bible. The trees are a major feature of the famous Highgate Cemetery in London.
Bristol Memorial Woodlands will eventually be a permanent 100-acre natural woodland, managed by a charitable trust.
Freya Widdicombe, who leads the Bristol Memorial Woodlands planting team, said: “Tree planting for the Winter 2024 season has begun and we have received our first delivery of bare root trees, which will be pit planted on the graves of those interred up to September this year.
“We have slowed the planting of Rowans and Holm Oaks in the new fields as they have not been establishing themselves well, so this year’s mix is slightly different to previous areas planted.”
The more mature parts of Bristol Memorial Woodlands were established 25 years ago and most trees planted at the woodlands are supplied by specialist local nurseries in Gloucestershire. They are then lifted and delivered to the woodlands for planting during their winter dormant phase.
A tree is planted for every four burials at Bristol Memorial Woodlands. Fruit trees are planted together for natural pollination and meadows are also being created with native grasses and wild flowers.
The woodlands are open daily for the public to walk in and enjoy the natural, peaceful environment. Several funeral packages are available at the venue which includes Georgian Reception Rooms and a Chapel. Families can choose from half-day or whole-day events, burials, ashes interments and unattended funerals.
For more information visit www.memorialoodlands.com
