St Albans Woodland Burial Trust

St Albans Woodland Burial Trust (Registered Charity No. 1118216)
Located via The College Equestrian Centre Church Road, Keysoe, Bedford. MK44 2JP
Administrator: Mrs Linda Parry, c/o St Mark’s Church Community Centre
Tel/Fax +44 1234 342613 Email: office@woodlandburialtrust.com
Outside office hours or emergency contact 07922 053740 or 07973 113861

Set in beautiful countryside in Keysoe, Bedfordshire and surrounded by 60 acres of woodland.
Access to the woodland is through the College Equestrian Centre, Church Road, Keysoe, Bedford. MK44 2JP

Making Arrangements

Some people will be choosing a burial space following the death of a loved one, others will wish to make a reservation as a part of making their own preparations in advance. Whatever your personal situation, our administrator Mrs Linda Parry will be pleased to meet with you on site and show you the possibilities available. The following information will offer you some preliminary guidance.

Reservation

Some people will find reassurance in choosing to reserve their place in the woodland for burial. This can relieve the family of the burden of making arrangements later. Reservation not only secures a particular plot, it also guarantees that the cost of subsequent burial will be considerably reduced. It carries entitlement to a 50% reduction of the cost of a grave space at the time of burial. Please note that the remaining sum due will be 50% of the cost of the grave space at the time of burial, not at the time of reservation.

Double Graves

We do not bury in double depth graves for environmental reasons. However if you wish to be buried next to somebody else we will be pleased to arrange reservation of an adjacent grave.

Recording the location of burials

Graves are marked simply with a wooden plaque laid on the ground, and for those who wish, a tree near the grave can be dedicated as a living memorial to the loved one who lies nearby. As the burial takes place a discreet record is kept of the location of the grave and each year an accurate survey is maintained, ensuring the resting place of a loved one is never lost.

Ceremonies at the graveside

St Albans Woodland Burial Trust is open to all people without discrimination. We welcome people of all faiths, and denominations and those with no religious faith at all. We ask that the form of any graveside ceremony must be dignified but not necessarily Christian. When graveside ceremonies are arranged, the form of service and the person conducting it, must be agreed by the Administrator who acts on behalf of the Trustees. St Albans Woodland Burial Trust will be pleased to offer advice concerning the ceremony and our own clergy are pleased to conduct services for you. Alternatively we can arrange for another minister or civil celebrant of your choice. After the service of committal, family and friends can spend as much time as they like at the graveside. The cost of your minister or celebrant must be agreed with them and is not the responsibility of the Trust.

Choice of coffins

We are pleased to accept all coffins which are biodegradable. Whilst we are able to supply suitable coffins directly, most funeral directors are able to advise you regarding the choice of a suitable coffin made from natural materials such as wood, wicker or bamboo. Visit our links page to discover some manufacturers we are pleased to commend.

Interment of cremated remains

Ashes can be buried in the woodland, either loose or in a biodegradable container. Suitable caskets are available for purchase from the Trust or your own funeral director.

Flowers

Fresh cut flowers may be placed in or on the graves, please remove cellophane, ribbons and non bio-degradable wrapping. Artificial flowers are not permitted and no vases or containers should be left. Planting or cultivation in the burial ground is not permitted, since we are creating a natural woodland. The Trustees reserve the right to remove flowers placed on graves as part of routine care and maintenance.

Dogs

The woodland is a place where the public are welcomed, with public footpaths and rights of way. We encourage people to bring dogs and enjoy the woodland, we would of course expect all responsible dog owners to show respect.

Opening times.

The car park area and access road may be used from 8.00am until 6.00pm each day.

The marking of graves with memorial plaques

Protection of the environment and wildlife conservation is important to the Trust. We are creating a place for nature, a beautiful natural woodland setting. It is therefore important that no memorials are used which are made from stone or non-biodegradable materials. All memorials must be specified and supplied by the Trust directly, so that we can ensure that the natural beauty of the woodland is preserved. The Trust has approved the fixing of an oak cross or alternatively an oak memorial, which may be suitably inscribed. These oak memorials have been selected by the Trustees since they will age naturally and be sympathetic to the woodland. Our administrator will be pleased to supply you with details. Plaques do not need to be placed on the grave at the time of burial but can be laid at a subsequent time. No charge will be made for the erection of a memorial. Please note that the Trust does not take responsibility for the memorials once fitted.

Dedication of a tree

We are pleased to arrange for the dedication of a tree in memory of a loved one. This can be done at the time of a burial or at a later occasion. Should you wish to have an inscribed wooden memorial plaque place by the tree, this can be arranged by the Trust.

Embalming

Embalming can cause pollution by introducing formaldehyde to the soil. We therefore ask that bodies are not embalmed if possible. We understand that this may become necessary for hygienic reasons, we ask that your funeral director informs the Trust beforehand.

Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance is an important way in which you can leave a beautiful and long lasting memorial. Entries can be made in the Book of Remembrance which is kept in the chapel of St Mark’s Church, Bedford. The chapel is open during daylight hours and provides the facility for visitors to light prayer candles. Entries in the Book of Remembrance are arranged by the Trust, free of charge.

Health and Safety

The Trust is creating a natural woodland, it is therefore necessary to wear appropriate footwear and clothing when visiting the site or attending services. Please be especially careful to avoid trips and falls on grassy areas.

Refreshments and catering facilities

The College Equestrian Centre is adjacent to the woodland and people may welcome the opportunity to use the facilities and restaurant area. This can be booked for refreshments after services.