Our Story: Henley-on-thames woodland burial

Recently we have been updating our stories and wanted to share with you the story of Henley Woodland Burial Ground and the new woodland we are creating, with the help of all people who have chosen be a special part of our natural burial...

​The woodland burial ground at Henley-on-Thames was opened in 2010. 

​Our vision for Henley Woodland burial ground was to create natural burials with a new native woodland that everyone could enjoy as a whole, rather than focusing on one specific tree. A special place full of natural character and wildlife, which also provides beautiful, natural resting places that you can visit any day of the year in peaceful, beautiful and relaxed surroundings. 

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Burials at Henley are simple, using only natural materials in the countryside that provides thriving habitats for wildflowers and wildlife. Burials take place in the meadow and each winter we carry out tree and shrub planting across the areas where interments have taken place. Individual graves may or may not have a tree or shrub on them but are all a special part of the woodland burial. The remaining meadow is used for grazing and mown for hay but will become part of this woodland extending overtime. 

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​The natural burial ground offers time and space to do things your way within the confines of the burial ground.  You may wish to arrive by bicycle, bring the dogs  or just  keep things very simple. You can discuss your thoughts and wishes with our Custodian who will be able to advise and guide you along the way. ​We are also open every day of the year for visitors from dawn to dusk and are pet friendly so if you want to visit and walk the dogs you can. As one of our families has said to us, ‘ I have taken coffee and sat on the seat and thought, and enjoyed the peace of the surroundings. It’s the sort of place we both loved’.

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​Our custodian Andrea (Andy) looks after the woodland natural burial at henley and everyone who has a connection with it. A retired pharmacist Andy lives in a Chiltern Hilltop village with her husband, 2 dogs and 4 goats. She enjoys looking after their own ancient woodland for conservation and loves the countryside. Andy is always happy to meet people at the burial ground to show them around and explain how our natural burial works so don’t be afraid to give her a call or to arrange a visit if you want to find out more.

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