The Park Extensive research and in depth consultation with landscape and wildlife experts has led to the creation of an environmentally friendly burial ground at Colney Woodland Burial Park. The Park opened its gates to the public in 1999. Colney Woodland Burial Park enjoys a distinctive landscape of low-lying valleys and an unusual escarpment. Gentle paths lead through areas full of the natural beauty of silver birch, oak, ash, beech and pine trees. In season there is a profusion of snowdrops, bluebells, foxgloves and many other varieties of woodland plants. The Park has been established to offer an appealing and meaningful alternative to conventional burial and cremation choices. It seeks to provide for the bereaved and those who wish to plan for the future during their own lifetime. Family or friends can select and purchase a specific plot at Colney Wood Burial Park at the time of need. Alternatively, purchasers can during their own lifetime secure the resting place of their choice, relieving their family of the burden and cost of making arrangements later.
	Colney Wood Burial Park has a mature woodland landscape and this, together with the level and range of services offered (including secure Trust arrangements), ensures Colney Wood differs in important ways from other woodland burial sites. The Park's management is committed to maintaining the Park as an area of natural beauty. The principles on which the site has been established have been developed in close association with South Norfolk Council's Planning and Landscape officers, with a view to ensuring the site remains a healthy woodland at all times. The Park is a haven for wildlife and natural plant growth, reinforcing the concept of renewal of life. Everything in the park is biodegradable. Wooden memorials, in English Oak are permitted and will, over decades, return to the soil. Stone monuments are not permitted. Purchasing a burial plot includes a lease up to 2099. At Colney Wood Burial Park, we welcome people of all beliefs and offer a highly dedicated service, working closely with funeral directors, clergy and other organisations to ensure that services are dignified and respectful. We offer a highly personal and professional service, our staff will be happy to take you around the park and offer further information. (There is buggy transport for those with limited mobility). Ultimately our aim is to ensure that personal wishes are expressed, and to offer the perfect environment for quiet contemplation and remembrance of loved ones. We will warmly welcome visitors to walk through the woodland; and ask that all visitors abide by the few regulations, laid down in order to protect its natural beauty and in respect for those who will be laid to rest here. The Woodland Cycle The following notes may help to give an understanding of how the woodland cycle works in relation to plants on the woodland floor. It demonstrates when plants can be anticipated and why at times there appears to be nothing going on. The plants listed are a selection from those that may be found at Colney Woodland Burial Park. Winter - Early Spring There are no leaves on the trees. Light levels on the woodland floor are good. The conditions are damp and as the soil starts to warm up, the first flowers begin to show. Typical flowers at this time are snowdrops and wild daffodils followed by wild primroses, violets, wood anemones and dogs mercury. Late Spring The soil is still moist and continues to warm up, day light hours increase and the trees start to produce new leaves. The amount of light reaching the woodland floor is reduced but is sufficient for shade tolerant varieties such as Bluebells, wild arum and ground ivy. Summer Trees are growing strongly and taking large amounts of moisture from the soil. The leaf cover continues to thicken rapidly to a point where most of the woodland floor is in full shade. In these conditions only the shade loving plants will be seen. These include ferns and wood sage. The wild arum starts to show their berries. The woodland floor may have a 'bare' appearance at this time. On the edges of the woodland, and those areas where tree thinning or coppicing has been carried out, there is sufficient light for sun loving plants such as fox glove, rosebay willow herb, red & white campion, nettles and bugle. Autumn The reduction in daylight hours and lower air temperature starts the process of autumn colour and leaf drop. There are no woodland flowers ready to respond to these conditions. Instead, various fungi can be seen along with berries, fruits and seeds. "There are no leaves on the trees. Light levels on the woodland floor are good. The conditions are damp and as the soil starts to warm up." Other factors to consider... Soil type The soils in Colney Woodland Burial Park are mainly light and sandy - this can give rise to acidic conditions and also very dry soil during the summer months. Only plants suited to these conditions will survive. Planting patterns Where conditions suit particular plants, they will establish themselves in clumps in random patterns. This is very different to our gardens at home, where many different varieties may be planted together in formal patterns to give interest.
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