Woodcock Hill Cemetery

Cemetery Opening Times:

1st April to 30th September - 8am - 8pm

1st October to 31st March - 8am - 4pm (dependent on light)

Three Rivers District Council is pleased to offer a traditional cemetery and woodland cemetery for those people wanting an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cemeteries and graveyards. The Cemetery is situated at Woodcock Hill, Harefield Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1PD (Location Map)

Prices

For our list of current fees please visit our Cemeteries page.    

Traditional cemetery

The traditional cemetery includes a Muslim and childrens section.

The Woodland

We want a natural woodland to develop over the years, where future generations can walk, or sit and contemplate. To achieve this there will be no headstones, instead a fee can be paid into a woodland management fund and at the appropriate season tree and bulb planting sessions are held, in which family and friends are encouraged to join.

Tree Planting

All the trees planted will be native to Britain and placed to complement each other in terms of growth, foliage and shade. Over the years in order to maintain a healthy woodland it will be necessary to manage the woodland, for example by removing individual trees that have not flourished, to allow others to develop to their full potential. It will not therefore be appropriate to plant a tree on each burial spot, some graves will be planted with bulbs, or wild flowers. Family members will be consulted about the types of trees to be planted close to their loved ones.

Woodland Management

Grass cutting will occur at appropriate times to encourage wild flowers and promote natural habitats. The cemetery will be managed to produce a healthy woodland and will not be maintained to provide the neat and tidy appearance normally associated with traditional cemeteries. Some areas will be left to form natural meadow land.

Coffins and Caskets

Only biodegradable coffins and caskets may be selected for burial in the woodland. These include cardboard, wicker, soft woods, or just a shroud. Your local funeral director should be able to provide information about what is available. The Council also has information.

Markers and Tributes

The only markers will be the small numbered tablets which the Council will place upon each burial spot so mourners can identify the precise location in years to come. Flowers and wreaths placed upon each grave at the time of burial will be removed after 14 days.

Three Rivers Council is confident that in time the area will form a beautiful natural woodland that will be a pleasure to visit. We hope you will find this a pleasing alternative choice to the more traditional approach.  

The Natural Death Centre has more information which you may find useful.