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While death is part of life, knowing this usually doesn’t make loss any easier. Saying goodbye to loved ones is enormously difficult, and there’s no simple solution to process this type, or level, of grief. That said, finding meaningful ways to honour the memory of our loved ones can help alleviate feelings of loss.
For a long time, visiting graves in cemeteries was the traditional way to pay our respects but, recently, there’s been a shift in how some of us choose to remember those we care about. With increased focus on sustainability, many people are moving away from traditional burial practices and finding more eco-friendly, personal alternatives – such as living memorial parks.
To shine a light on this shift, we’ve partnered with GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. You won’t see rows of gravestones in these parks; instead, you’ll find beautiful, natural, open spaces where you feel comforted by nature. Their living memorial parks offer unique locations to honour your loved one while providing a place for the living to create new rituals – a space to reflect, remember and celebrate a life well lived.
So, how exactly are living memorial parks transforming the way we remember loved ones? And why are more people taking the time to pre-plan funerals?
What are living memorial parks?
Living memorial parks are green spaces that are used for services and remembrance. Some people choose to be buried in a living memorial park, while others have their ashes scattered or interred. For friends and family, knowing their loved ones have been returned to the Earth can be hugely comforting.
However, even if your loved one isn’t buried or scattered here, you can still honour them by planting a tree or putting a plaque on a bench. The landscapes are designed to offer a comforting space for peaceful reflection. There are walking trails with points of interest where you can spot wildlife, wooden sculptures, trees, and native flowers, all of which call GreenAcres home.
At GreenAcres, each living memorial park is different, but all are alive, breathing, growing, transitioning, and reborn with the changing seasons. Each park has five sections – woodland, meadow, lawn, orchard, and garden – all offering different options for burials, ashes, and special dedications. Memorials can be tailored to your wishes, and there are choices for all budgets.
Home to trees, flowers, birds, and butterflies, woodlands provide a tranquil solace from grief, while meadows are crossed with paths so you can enjoy walks among wildflowers. The lawns are beautiful, manicured stretches of grass where you can sit in quiet solitude, while orchards are lined with blossom- and fruit-filled trees. Gardens provide a more private place to relax and remember.
Because there’s lots of variety, you can choose the environment that would be most meaningful to you and your loved one. Perhaps you enjoyed taking quiet woodland walks together or reflecting quietly on pretty park benches. Maybe your loved one enjoyed pottering in the garden. Whatever spot you choose, visiting offers you a beautiful, peaceful place to remember the person you love.
The benefits of living memorial parks
There are many reasons why people are choosing living memorial parks.
They promote community and connection
Living memorial parks are full of life. They’re peaceful, beautiful spaces for families to cherish memories, connect with one another, and establish new traditions. These spaces can also support the grieving process because, when you visit, you’re surrounded by life – the changing seasons offer a reminder of renewal and continuity, which can bring comfort.
They support wellbeing through nature
Living memorial parks can become sanctuaries. Science tells us that being surrounded by trees and greenery benefits our wellbeing, boosting mood and self-esteem while reducing stress and blood pressure. So, when visiting a living memorial park to remember your loved one, it can help you channel feelings of loss into something positive.
They preserve the environment
There are also significant environmental benefits. Unlike traditional cemeteries, living memorial parks actively benefit the planet – purifying the air, supporting animals, birds, and insects, and contributing to the wider ecosystem. Knowing that your loved one is helping the planet can bring comfort, particularly if they were passionate about environmental issues. And your own connection to nature can deepen, too.
Why more people are pre-planning funerals
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal journey, often filled with emotional challenges. And as anyone who’s been bereaved before knows, there’s a large amount of ‘sadmin’. From closing bank accounts to going through probate, when adding to this the pressure of funeral planning, it’s easy to become overwhelmed during one of the most difficult times in our lives.
This is why more and more people are choosing to plan their own funerals. There are many advantages to this: you not only gain more choice over your final resting place, but you can also discuss plans with family and friends and pay for them in advance.
At GreenAcres, pre-planned funerals are encouraged. The first step might be choosing the perfect final resting place and memorial in one of the living memorial parks. You can visit each of the five distinct areas – woodland, meadow, lawn, orchard, and gardens – and think about which spaces best reflect your or your loved one’s personality. There are six living memorial parks across England, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
Then, you can think about the service. Those at GreenAcres are flexible and serve all faiths, beliefs, and cultures. You can choose cremation, burial, or memorial services, and plan a wake in one of the elegant Service Halls. There are various visual and music services to choose from, too, from video streaming to themed tributes, as well as keepsakes like memory boxes and video books.
Choosing GreenAcres means you’re supported every step of the way, from the first call until long after the funeral. GreenAcres have set up a trust fund for all of their parks. Every time someone is buried or their ashes are placed in a GreenAcres Park, the group pays a sum of money into the GreenAcres Trust bank account, which can only be accessed under certain conditions. This ensures there will be enough money to take care of the Parks for generations to come, even without future income.
Plus, if someone pre-purchases a burial or memorial plot in preparation for the future, money from the sale is paid into a protected fund. This money is reserved for the specific customer of the advance-purchased plot and can only be used for their burial.
Each park holds monthly bereavement cafes, too, where you can talk about your grief with others who truly understand. If you’re not ready to share, you can simply listen, taking comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. GreenAcres also continues to support families through supportive events at each park, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas services. You can find out more using the button below.
Final thoughts…
Talking about death can be difficult, but there’s a unique comfort in knowing that your, or your loved one’s, final resting place will be among nature. Visiting loved ones in serene woodlands or a beautiful wildflower meadow isn’t just peaceful and comforting; it’s also uplifting and a lasting legacy that allows us to focus on happy memories and enjoy quiet, meaningful reflection.
Choosing your final resting place in advance can save money in the long run, and you’ll have the time to make important decisions. Of course, it also means your family will be free from any financial burden, as well as the emotional stress of having to make important decisions whilst grieving.
Whether you’re thinking about your own or a loved one’s funeral, GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks can support you and your family every step of the way.
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