Guidelines for Memorial Trees                                                                           

We encourage the planting of a native tree or shrub in memory of each individual buried at Lower Heddon. Relatives and friends will be invited to participate in an annual planting event. Memorial trees may be marked with a simple plaque. (Please see our guidelines). We must point out that as the woodland develops the plaque may become difficult to find, and that after around 15-20 years, some trees may be thinned to remove those that have not grown well, and give those remaining the chance to thrive. This is an important part of woodland management.   

You can choose from the following species:

Each winter we will plant more trees adjacent to the previous year’s planting. The number of trees planted each year will vary according to the number of burials. The woodland area will increase gradually across the Ground. As the new wood develops, we will review the planting layout and the growth rate of each species, to determine whether any changes are required.  Eventually we will have a mature wood that will live for hundreds of years.

There will not be any standing headstones at Lower Heddon as this would compromise management of the meadowland and developing woodland, but we do recognise how important it is for each grave to be marked.

All new plants will be protected from rabbit and deer damage using a tree guard supported with a stake or cane. Trees of the same species will be planted in blocks so that they have the best conditions for growth.

Our supplier of native trees is Perrie Hale Forest Nursery, Northcote, Honiton, Devon, EX14 9TH.

Tel:- (01404) 43344 Web:- www.perriehale.com Email:- perriehale@eclipse.co.uk

May 2009

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