In the truest sense, a place where life goes on.

EPPING FOREST BURIAL PARK

A cemetery for our time

Peaceful and uplifting places for reflection and remembrance

Whether you are planning for the future, or making arrangements now for the funeral of a loved one, there is comfort in the knowledge that the final resting place you choose will be a very special one. Woodland Burial Parks are the natural choice for anyone looking for somewhere beautiful to remember a loved one. All our burial parks are set in the soothing tranquillity of mature woodland, and are the perfect places to recall loving memories. Woodland Burial Parks are, in the truest sense, places where life goes on.

I often visit Mum. We chat about ordinary her laughter amongst the trees.

stuff, and I still tell her my secrets. I can hear She sleeps in such a beautiful place.

Quotes used in this brochure are taken from actual letters.

Our Promise
Our promise is to provide service and burial options that surpass all the desires and expectations of the bereaved. We adopt an enlightened approach to todays changing attitudes towards conventional practices, while at the same time retaining absolute respect for the culture, traditions and environment within which we operate.

It is the perfect place for a funeral. It helps make a sad occasion more bearable because of the lovely peaceful woodland.

Our Values
We respect people of all origins, cultures, faiths
and beliefs.

We aim to surpass the desires and expectations of

all those we serve.

We acknowledge the needs of the disabled and

physically infirm.

We respect the landscape setting of our Parks, and

actively employ strategies that encourage environmental improvement, and the spread of biodiversity within them.

We act with integrity, dignity, transparency and

respect towards others.

flowers and plants. We differ in many important ways from other burial grounds, both in our ethos and our practice. Our highly trained staff are always available to welcome visitors during opening hours, and we offer transport around our woodlands on chauffeured buggies for visitors with limited mobility. Our award-winning buildings provide very special venues for funeral and memorial services, while the woodlands surrounding them offer a choice of plots for both full burials and ash interments, with Rights to Burial extending for 99 years from the opening date of each Park. We pride ourselves on ensuring that families never feel rushed, offering a minimum of two hours for each service. We support the local communities where our Burial Parks are situated, and welcome interest and involvement from local groups and schools. We particularly appreciate the privilege of being able to introduce children to the concept of the Cycle of Life and to help them cope with feelings of grief and loss. With this in mind, we have collaborated with Nicholas Halliday, author of the acclaimed book for children on this subject, The Lonely Tree. A special hardback version of The Lonely Tree has been produced for Woodland Burial Parks and we give copies to funeral directors and other professionals in the locality of each of our Parks for lending to families who have been bereaved. Our community involvement also extends much more widely with our active support for the charity Tree Aid, to whom we make a donation for every burial, ash interment or ash scattering we carry out. Tree Aid work with villagers in Africa, undertaking planting schemes that help transform deprived and poverty stricken communities. To quote one village elder; Without trees, we have no life. We feel that this is a fitting way in which to commemorate those who have died, as it enriches the lives of others. Our hope is that we not only make a difference to you and your family, but also to others elsewhere our Woodland Burial Parks are places where, in the truest sense, life goes on. We hope that this information will give you some assistance in reaching a decision, whether you are considering your own arrangements for the future, or if you are trying to choose the resting place for a loved one who has died. We know how important it is that the choice you make is the right one, and our staff will be glad to answer any questions that you might have our telephone number is on the back cover.

We encourage our staff to maximise their

potential in all aspects of their work, providing suitable training as appropriate.

We actively support the local community in each

area that we serve. We monitor compliance with these values through regular internal audits.

Our Concept
Woodland is a much loved part of the English countryside. Every season has its special moments anyone who has visited a Bluebell Wood in the spring will not forget its beauty, and who can forget the childhood thrill of kicking leaves and collecting conkers in the autumn? Woodland has a natural cycle of life and it is essential for mankind to flourish. Throughout history, woodland has provided us with our needs of food, shelter, fuel and tools. Today, in the 21st Century, we are realising more than ever what a crucial role our woodlands play not only standing as places of natural beauty, but providing food and shelter for animals, protecting soils, and counteracting the effects of carbon in our atmosphere. Our Woodland Burial Parks have been established as appealing and meaningful places, offering an alternative to the often unsatisfactory choices available for funeral arrangements. We provide peaceful and natural settings for the best service possible, both for the bereaved, and for those who wish to plan for and select their final resting place during their own lifetime. The mature woodland chosen for our burial parks is enhanced by our specialist management programme, encouraging wildlife and the proliferation of native

Our Buildings
All of the buildings in our Parks are constructed with natural materials from sustainable sources and are of specialist design. The buildings are carefully situated in each woodland to blend with the surroundings and to complement each other. The Gathering Hall provides a warm and welcoming meeting place for family and friends before and after the funeral. Refreshments can be provided, ample WC facilities are available, and the needs of the disabled are fully catered for. A circular courtyard with a living hazel wall leads you to The Woodland Hall where funeral and memorial services can be held. Inside this beautiful building, panoramic views encourage the impression of being actually out in the woodland, and the calm and intimate ambience is suitable for both large and small funerals. Up to 130 people can be comfortably accommodated, with fewer chairs being placed out for smaller gatherings, and seating plans can be varied according to your wishes. At our Woodland Burial Parks there is never a feeling of being rushed, as we allow a minimum of two hours for each family to have the service and burial. Families will not be disturbed by the arrival of other mourners, something that can often happen elsewhere. Our buildings may also be used for services or ceremonies when families choose to have a cremation, or even a burial elsewhere. Our office staff will be happy to give you details of how this can be arranged.

Woodland Hall
Beautiful panoramic views into the woodland Comfortable, flexible seating for up to 130 people Excellent acoustics with high quality audio systems An organ is available if required Hearing loop installed to aid the hard of hearing Suitable for use by families of religious or secular beliefs Easy access for wheelchair users

Woodland Retreat
In some of our Burial Parks we have Woodland Retreats set in the heart of the woodland that offer shelter and a place for quiet reflection. The simple design of our buildings complements the beauty of their woodland surroundings. To gain a full appreciation of our burial parks we strongly recommend a visit. Our staff will be delighted to show you around.

Gathering Hall
A place where bereaved families and friends can meet before the service, or spend time in afterwards Baby changing and WC facilities Refreshment services may be available Good parking facilities Panoramic view from within the Woodland Hall

How can I thank you for such a lovely day it was all just right. Many, many thanks for arranging it so quickly, and making the little ceremony among the trees so memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we arrange a funeral in one of your Woodland Burial Parks?
Your local funeral director will be able to advise you, as we work closely with Funeral Directors, Clergy, secular organisations and others to ensure that the needs and wishes of the deceased and their family and friends are met. You are welcome to telephone us at your local park, or to call in for a discussion. We have some qualified funeral directors on our staff, and, although we do not offer the full range of services provided by funeral directors, we can give you good, independent advice.

We do not have the regimentation of a traditional cemetery or graveyard; plots are placed in burial circles next to each other around trees.

Will I be able to buy a plot before I die?

Yes, this can be done at all of our burial parks. More people than ever are sorting out their funeral arrangements before they die, for various reasons; choosing and purchasing a burial plot in advance may give peace of mind, ensure that a persons specific wishes are carried out, or simply secure the Rights to Burial at todays cost, no matter how many years pass before the grave is needed.

Do you have a pay by instalment plan if Im buying before I die?

Yes, please ask for details.

How much do plots cost?

Plots vary in price according to type and location in the woodland. Included in our literature are details explaining the different options and pricing.

Do we have to use a Funeral Director?

If you would like to make all the funeral arrangements yourself, we will be pleased to provide appropriate information and assistance. However, funeral directors have many years experience in arranging funerals and will guide you expertly through the process. We feel this is the better way.

What happens to my money if I buy a plot?

A secure Trust Fund has been created to safeguard purchasers rights. Four independent Trustees oversee the Trust. A percentage of each purchase is held by the Trust, to fund the long-term maintenance of the park and the provision of its services. One of the Trustees is a purchaser who has bought a plot on an advance purchase basis.

Can we choose the position of the grave?

Yes, we strive to meet specific requirements wherever possible. However, there are certain landscape regulations we have to abide by for the protection of the woodland, as part of its long-term management.

What can we mark a grave with?

Graves may be marked discreetly with wooden memorials (please see our Memorial Options literature for further information). We offer some simple English Oak memorial posts that might be suitable, or you are welcome to commission a bespoke carving as long as it conforms to our regulations. Temporary wooden crosses supplied by funeral directors will be left in place for 4-6 weeks after the burial, after which they will be removed. Stone monuments or anything made from non biodegradable materials are not permitted.

Is the ground in your burial parks consecrated?

No, but an individual grave may be blessed if you wish.

Can people be buried together?

Our plots are prepared to take two burials. They may be used for single occupancy if preferred.

What size are the plots?

Grave dimensions are 2100 x 900mm for burial plots, and 500mm square for ash interment plots. Memorials may be placed within the grave dimensions.

Are your burial parks safe?

Our staff are always on site in our parks during opening hours, and the gates are opened and closed in accordance with published opening times.

Can ashes be buried loose or do they have to be in an urn?

Ashes can be buried loose. If in a container, it must be made of biodegradable material e.g. wood, willow, bamboo or cardboard.

Will we be limited to specific times for a funeral?

No, the only limiting factor will be having enough light during the winter months for an afternoon funeral. We would recommend the latest time then is 1.30pm. If required, it will be possible to hold a funeral service at the weekend by arrangement both with the burial park and your funeral director.

What sort of coffin is acceptable?

Most traditional coffins in a funeral director's standard range can be buried in our parks, as well as ones made of willow, cardboard, bamboo or other eco-friendly material. Burials of bodies wrapped in shrouds made from natural materials are also welcome. We regret that compliance with conservation plans and our woodland management concept means that we cannot permit metal caskets or zinc lined coffins, nor can we accommodate wooden casket shaped coffins.

Can personal effects be buried in the grave?

Yes, we will try and accommodate personal wishes within reason.

If the grave is not marked, how will people find it?

Our offices hold information on a digital plan relating to each grave and will be able to help visitors locate it.

What sort of conservation is being carried out in the Burial Parks?

Successful long-term management of the woodland depends on a continual process of renewal and rejuvenation by thinning, felling, planting and nurturing new trees. Our woodlands are home to a variety of regional flora and fauna, and there is already evidence that the work being carried out is beneficial, with considerable increases in the range of birds, wildflowers and other flora and fauna. As part of the ongoing management of the wood, only certain varieties of wildflowers will be encouraged to grow in those areas where conditions are suitable. Our grounds people will carry out all planting schemes.

Can flowers be left on the grave?

Yes. Cut flowers may be laid on the grave, however, cellophane and ribbons must be removed. When flowers start to deteriorate staff will remove them. Funeral tributes will also be removed after a few days. No containers may be left on the grave, however we can supply wooden vases if families would like to purchase them, which may be placed on the grave for fresh flowers.

What happens if people who want to attend a funeral or visit have limited mobility?
Electric buggies, driven by our staff, are available to transport visitors around our parks.

Can dogs go into the parks?

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead. We would ask that any mess be cleared up.

How long can we have for the burial?

We have a commitment to making available to mourners such time and privacy as they need. When arrangements for the funeral are made, we will discuss with you the time you are likely to need and plan accordingly. There is a minimum of two hours between each service as a matter of course.

How do Woodland Burial Parks compare with other green/woodland burial sites?
We have mature woodland in beautiful settings, whereas many green burial sites are situated on open land where trees are only planted at the time of burial. In addition, we pride ourselves in having a unique combination of superb facilities and highly trained and caring staff. We complement our responsible environmental policies by working in close, co-operative partnership with local Funeral Directors, so that the deceased, their families and friends, receive the very best of attention at all stages of what can be a very sad and difficult time.

Must there be a religious ceremony?

No, people may choose a non-religious service. We welcome people of all religions, and those with no religious faith.

Memorials
We offer attractive posts suitable for both burial and ash interment plots, made of solid English Oak, with either a round or oblong bevelled top. The price is inclusive of a simple etched message. You may however wish to choose a post from an alternative supplier if so, please contact the office for details. It is important that all memorials comply with our Regulations* in order that the natural beauty of the woodland may be preserved. Other types of memorials may also be available, including nest boxes, bat boxes and insect boxes.
*Available from the office on request.

Testimonials
Below are a few extracts from the many letters and cards we have received from bereaved families thanking us for the services that we have provided.

Many thanks for your kind attention during the whole process. I really feel that you have been more than happy to go that little bit extra to make the arrangements run smoothly. It is a lovely, peaceful and natural place. There is always life in the woodland, and it is not a morbid place to visit. We know that everyone who attended on the day was enormously impressed, and we are happy to say how pleased we have been. It is such a lovely place, and so much nicer to bring children to visit, and bring flowers. One felt the utmost confidence that everything was as perfect as it could be in the circumstances, and that we were discreetly cared for at all times. We must comment on the wonderfully uplifting ambience, with the light and trees visible through the huge windows. We felt that we had brought our loved one to a very special place. It is such a lovely and peaceful place to visit, so healing. And we dont have to worry about maintenance. My sincere thanks to you all, for your extremely sympathetic manner shown to myself, and the very many other bereaved and sad people that you meet up with. A wonderful, dedicated gang, doing a wonderful job, with so much feeling. I couldn't think of a nicer place. I love the fact that it is living, and that dogs are welcome. Thank you. Although you are there for all, we felt it was just for us.

Individual memorial post

Book of Remembrance
At each of our Burial Parks we have a Book of Remembrance, which provides a beautiful and long lasting memorial for families and friends. Families may also choose to have an entry to commemorate those who have been buried elsewhere. Entries in our Books of Remembrance may be viewed online at our website www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk, enabling families who are unable to travel to the Burial Park the opportunity to see the inscription.

Example page from the Book of Remembrance

Woodland Burial Parks have commissioned a special limited edition of the acclaimed book, by Nicholas Halliday, The Lonely Tree. This book has been specially written to help children who have been bereaved and is available from all of our Burial Parks.

Theres something deeply reassuring about the cycle of life Epping Forest Burial Park provides a beautiful and inspiring natural setting in which to remember those who have died. Nicholas Taylor, Managing Director

EPPING FOREST BURIAL PARK

A cemetery for our time

Epping Forest Burial Park Kiln Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6AD Telephone: 01992 523863 Website: www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk