A field adjacent to the existing cemetery was purchased by Thornbury Town Council, originally with a view to extending the existing burial ground. However, hydrology surveys suggested that the water table in the field is too high to allow burials to take place.
An alternative appropriate use for the land has, therefore, been sought. The Council decided to create a memorial woodland/wellbeing garden in the field, and as such instructed Seed Landscape Designers to produce a concept design and planting plan.
The brief for the designers was that the woodland/garden should:
- Provide a haven for people and for wildlife
- Be fully accessible
- Be sympathetic to and fitting with the existing cemetery grounds
- Provide areas for quiet reflection and promote wellbeing
- Offer areas for ashes scattering or interment
- Visually link with the Chapel
- Work with the existing landscape features on the site
- Include a range of habitats, including water, wildflowers, woodland, and grasses
The concept design is due to be delivered in autumn 2026 and we hope to start tree planting, with support from the Forest of Avon programme, in late autumn 2026. We will work with staff, volunteers, contractors, and community groups to jointly create the woodland/garden over the next 3 years.