Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust
Planning for End of life, Funerals and Bereavement
New resources in association with
North Bristol NHS Trust and Gentle Dusk
Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust is a registered charity (number 1082094). Set up in 2000 its main aim is to create and preserve woodland areas for public benefit. The Trust also educates and informs on the topics of death, dying, bereavement and end of life care.
Half of all families have to arrange the funeral with no knowledge of the wishes of the deceased
Families who have had discussions or have been left notes tell us their journey through bereavement has been made much easier. Talking about death and funerals is difficult.
To help you the Trust has created a guide to planning a future funeral, sharing your wishes and essential information for others to follow.
The Trust has also funded the creation of a suite of resources that provide practical and emotional support for those dealing with the death of a loved one. Written in partnership with Gentle Dusk and North Bristol NHS Trust they are all available to order or download here.
About Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust
The Trust holds or manages 100 acres of land in South Gloucestershire that is being transformed into public parkland, open to all and protected for the pleasure and benefit of future generations. The site is evolving into a mixture of woodland, glades and wildflower meadow, creating ecological reserves where wildlife can flourish. Study groups and seminars are encouraged. School parties and respite groups are welcome.
At its heart is a chapel and reception buildings, within an enclosed garden. These were originally a collection of Georgian Tannery buildings. They have become a regional centre for funerals and wakes where families are given time to say an unhurried farewell, in complete privacy, to their loved ones.
Whilst Memorial Woodlands recognises interment at burial is better for the environment than cremation the interment of ashes is also welcome. Plots for ashes or burial provide a tranquil resting place, with trees planted nearby as a memorial, where families may gather in nature to reflect, to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
The planting of a commemorative tree is an ancient tradition. It is a symbol of continued life, strength and family connection. It gives relatives and friends a memorial to visit which they can enjoy watching as it changes over the seasons and years.
The Trust owns the topsoil of the cemeteries to a depth of one metre. This enables the Trust to manage and control the evolution of the site into the nature reserve.
