A Tree as a Living Memorial

Memorial Trees beautifully express the enduring cycles of nature, offering not only a gift to the one who has passed away, but to the landscape and to generations to come.

Where a woodland plot is chosen, a Memorial Tree can be bought through us to be planted on the grave. This option is available for coffin burials and for graves where cremated remains have been interred. Memorial Trees can also be bought to mark the lives of those we have loved and respected who are not buried at the site.

A broad selection of native trees are appropriate for Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground, and the majority of these are listed below. The links will take you to the Woodland Trust's website of British trees (or Wikipedia) where you can see information and pictures of each species.

Large Trees : these not always available; too many large trees will compete with each other, allowing none the chance to mature properly, nor the development of a healthy understory of smaller trees and shrubs.

• English Oak : Quercus robur
• Ash : Fraxinus excelsior

Small Trees : these make up the understory of native woodland, often coming into leaf more quickly and seeding more prolifically.

• Bird Cherry : Prunus padus
• Crab Apple : Malus sylvestris
• Dog Rose : Rosa canina
• Field Maple : Acer Campestri
• Guelder Rose : Viburnum opulus
• Hazel : Corylus avellana
• Holly : Ilex aquifolium
• Silver Birch : Betula pendula
• Small Leaved Lime : Tilia cordata
• Wild Cherry : Prunus avium
• Wild Service Tree : Sorbus torminalis

If the tree you would most like is not in the list above, please enquire. There are some trees that are native to the ecology of the site but either rare or very common (such as hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwoods, willows, gorse and elder), and thus can only be planted in small numbers or in certain areas. For example, willows do better on wetter soil.

Guarantees : Memorial Trees are guaranteed for ten years. If a tree fails within ten years of it first being planted, we will replace it free of charge. We consult with families if we feel a different species would do better, or the developing woodland will no longer allow adequate space for the tree to grow. There are always options! After ten years, we encourage families to see the woodland as a whole as the memorial, trees growing, seeding and dying to allow new saplings space to grow.

Buying Trees : Memorial Trees are provided by Nature Reserve Burial Grounds. We do our best to buy from local nurseries and ensure trees are as native to the immediate environment as possible. Trees are planted as little saplings in order to give them the best chance to establish and grow.

Planting : Tree Planting Weekends are held early each winter, and all families who have bought a tree will be notified and invited to attend - whether to plant or witness the planting of the trees by Sun Rising staff. For more information, check our Activity Days page.

We are happy to be working in harmony with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on this project.