New memorial garden gives relatives a space to reflect and remember

A new memorial garden offering space for reflection and remembrance has been unveiled at  Woodcock Hill Cemetery in Rickmansworth.

The garden looks out across the cemetery and has been designed and created by staff from Three Rivers District Council. New features include block paving to replace gravel paths and make them more accessible; new benches; a solar-powered water feature; and a supporting wall made from wooden sleepers where relatives can have a memorial plaque displayed.

Raised beds and planters have been filled with shrubs and planted with seasonal bulbs including daffodils, snowdrops and bluebells to provide colour throughout the seasons.

Cllr Phil Williams, Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “It was previously a tired area of the cemetery which we were keen to make into a peaceful space where relatives can sit, reflect and remember.

“It’s an outstanding example of the craftsmanship and skills that our small team has. They designed it themselves and have done a great job, especially given all the other priorities this year.”

The team previously constructed a 16-space car park to make the site more accessible.

The option to buy a memorial plaque to be displayed on the memorial wall is now available at Woodcock Hill as well as East Lane Cemetery in Leavesden.

To find out more and apply visit: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/memorial-sponsorship-memorial-benches-memorial-trees-and-memorial-plaques