Memorial Woodlands

22/07/2026

News of our exciting beetle find is spreading! Read more here https://loom.ly/tkM382g

RARE beetles have been discovered at a memorial woodland near Thornbury, highlighting how a former dairy farm in South Gloucestershire has been…

14/07/2026

During a recent survey we were very excited to discover the presence of a number of very rare beetles! Two species of jewel beetle and the nationally scarce pear shortwing beetle have been recorded on site. This is great news and a wonderful indication that our biodiversity is increasing.

Although in ecological terms the site is still relatively young, what has already been achieved here is quite remarkable and a direct result of our hardworking team.

Many thanks to Rupert Higgins of Wessex Ecological Consultancy for conducting the survey and his continued support.

09/07/2026

Just a reminder that our grounds are open for extended hours 🌼

Our visitors are welcome to enjoy a peaceful walk around our beautiful grounds and take in the changing seasons. We’re open to the public daily and dogs on leads are also welcome.

Our Spring/Summer opening times are 7:30am–7:30pm until October 🪻

24/06/2026

We recommend this excellent podcast appearance with health psychologist, Mireille Hayden. In it Mireille opens up about her own lived experience of grief and uncertainty and how it influenced the creation of practical end-of-life planning resources in partnership with the North Bristol NHS Trust and Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust.

After founding Gentle Dusk in 2011 Mireille has run many training programmes at Bristol Memorial Woodlands supporting professionals who care for people at the end of their lives.

https://loom.ly/JE2A410

Before You Go · Episode

12/06/2026

More than 200 people attended our Annual Service of Remembrance at Bristol Memorial Woodlands with representatives from the armed services, emergency services, schools and veteran organisations laying wreaths.

Padre Major Andy Latifa conducted the service in the on-site chapel at the woodlands, with more than 50 people packed into an overflow marquee where the service was relayed by speakers.

David Rae, Managing Director of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, opened the service which also saw Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Peaches Golding, present a Bible reading.

Following the service standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and other veteran groups led those attending on a parade to the war memorial within the woodlands where wreaths were laid.

David Rae said: “It was fantastic to see such an amazing attendance this year – more than ever before. A short, sharp storm just before the event cleared perfectly for the outdoor elements. It was good to see so many veterans with their medals, mixing with those currently in uniform and representatives of the local community including police, fire brigade, ambulance service and schools.”

The annual event was started by Memorial Woodlands founder Chris Baker to honour and commemorate those service men and women who have fallen in the new millennium but has since been adopted by veterans of the many conflicts since the Second World War.

01/06/2026

At Bristol Memorial Woodlands we try to make every funeral unique, special, and a proper reflection of the life being celebrated. It was wonderful to have been asked to support the family and friends of renowned photographer Martin Parr as he was laid to rest. This report and photographs of the send-off inspired by his work, which included a lot of humour and fun.

The photographer loved to record the small details of life, so it was only fitting that his family should organise a send-off inspired by his work. ‘Funerals can be really beautiful,’ says the person tasked with recording the event

29/05/2026

Our Funeral Directors are here to guide you through every aspect of arranging a funeral.

They will explain the many choices open to you; support you through the required paperwork and make the planning of the funeral of your loved one as effortless as possible for you.

Most importantly, they assure you of time. Time to reflect and time to decide.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands are signatories of the Fair Funerals Pledge, committed to providing outstanding funeral care that is accessible for all, and proud members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF independent funeral directors).

28/05/2026

Now that we have moved into the warmer months, our grounds are open for extended hours 🌼

Our visitors are welcome to enjoy a peaceful walk around our beautiful grounds and take in the changing seasons. We’re open to the public daily and dogs on leads are also welcome.

Our Spring/Summer opening times are 7:30am–7:30pm until October 🪻

20/05/2026

As the only funeral directors with our own chapel, reception rooms and dedicated burial grounds, we are able to provide a serene setting for a dignified and truly personal funeral or cremation service.

Our exclusive venue offers a peaceful and picturesque environment for honouring your loved ones.

Find out more about our funerals on our website or in our funeral planning document: https://www.memorialwoodlands.com/

01/05/2026

As proud members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), Memorial Woodlands is supporting their fantastic new ‘Handled with Care’ campaign.

There is a quiet power in being present. Did you know that nearly 80% of us find attending a funeral essential to properly acknowledge our loss?

We pride ourselves on holding time and space for you to say a heartfelt farewell that feels right. That may include: a favourite song, a shared story, a treasured sporting memory or even a much-needed moment of laughter or perhaps all of these.