Our Story: Henley-on-thames woodland burial

Recently we have been updating our stories on Facebook, but also wanted to share these on our blog for those who may not use Facebook. Over the next few months we wanted to tell you a bit more about each of the burial grounds and why they are special to us.

This blog is a little bit about Henley Woodland Burial Ground, the story behind the natural burial and the new woodland we are creating with all the help of all people who have chosen be a special part of the burial ground...

​The woodland burial at Henley-on-Thames was opened in 2005. 

​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 burial ground offers time and space to do things your way. Whether arriving on horseback or bicycle, bringing the dogs, erecting a marquee or keeping things very simple, you have the scope and freedom to do as you wish. We are also open every day of the year for visitors from dawn to dusk and we are pet friendly so if you want to visit and walk the dogs you can, or 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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