Memorial Options

We are committed to maintaining the woodland as a place of natural beauty, and therefore we have fairly strict regulations regarding the marking of graves. No permanent or stone memorial is permitted, memorials must be made of wood and comply with the dimensions below. Items left on graves will be removed by our woodland staff, and families are encouraged to simply lay flowers on the graves or use the single permitted wooden vase.

We do understand that families may wish to commemorate the life of their loved one in other ways, and we can offer a number of alternatives (see below).

1. Memorial Posts

We can provide simple wooden memorials for graves and ashes plots, or families may commission their own designs from a woodcarver, although the designs must be approved by our woodland manager before work commences.

Our standard memorial posts are made of solid English Oak and are inclusive of a simple etched message. Our staff are happy to assist you with ordering a memorial post - please contact us for details.

Many families choose to enhance a standard memorial post by adding a small carving to it - click here to see examples of some of the personalised memorials at Chiltern Woodland Burial Park.

We have a list of wood carvers who have created bespoke memorials for families at one of our burial parks -click here for contact details.

N.B. All memorial posts must comply with our regulations (see below) to preserve the natural appearance of the woodland.

• Memorials must be made of wood and treated only with teak oil, linseed oil or natural wax. No high gloss or stain is acceptable. We can supply memorial maintenance kits if required.
• Memorials must be approved by our staff, before implementation of design.
• Maximum dimensions (full grave memorial): (H) 450mm (W) 450mm (D) 150mm.
• Maximum dimensions (ashes plot memorial): (H) 200mm (W) 200mm (D) 150mm
• Oak is the preferred wood – No tropical hardwood or redwood is permitted.
• Memorials are to be placed within the grave dimensions which are 2.1 mtrs x 900mm for burial plots, and 500mm square for ash interment plots.
• Memorial design should allow for at least 300mm below ground to ensure stability and safety.
• Memorial placing – You may like to do this yourself but a staff member must be present.
• Only one memorial is permitted per grave or ashes plot.

2. Memorial Benches

We have a number of benches located throughout the woodland and families may choose to have an inscription along one of the sides of a bench near to their grave. (The location of the benches is determined by the managers of the park and the woodland, and will not be immediately adjacent to a burial circle)

3. The Book of Remembrance

An entry in our Book of Remembrance provides a beautiful and long lasting memorial for families and friends. Everyone is welcome to have an entry in the book, even if the person being remembered has been cremated, or buried elsewhere

4. Bird, Bat and Insect Habitat Boxes

In order to encourage wildlife, families have been keen to work with us to provide habitats for wildlife..Families are welcome to provide a habitat box for us to place in the woodland. The location of each box will be determined by our woodland manager.

5. Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows in our Woodland Hall are unique, produced by a skilled crafts person and will remain in place for the life of the buildings. Families can discuss with the designer their ideas for personalising a panel in the window to commemorate the life of a loved one. There are currently a few panes remaining for reservation in the first window, and anyone may choose to purchase one, whether or not their loved one is buried here. Please contact us for more information