About Clandon Wood

Conceived as a Burial Reserve - Designed as a Nature Reserve

The beautiful simplicity of Natural Burial was the inspiration that led to the creation of Clandon Wood. The creation of a self-sustaining, wildlife environment is the answer to the enduring question: how do we find enough space to accommodate human burials responsibly?

Clandon and the Surrey Hills...

From a practical standpoint, a new burial reserve had to be in an area where there was a need; it needed to be easily accessible with road and public transport links and it had to be of a certain size to be commercially viable.
It obviously needed to please aesthetically but more importantly it must provide an environmental framework to support as many diverse ecosystems as possible.
Four years later, thirty-one acres of former farm land were discovered near Guildford in Surrey.
The two fields had lain fallow for the preceding eight years but lying at the foot of the Surrey Hills and nestling between the villages of East and West Clandon, this site was the perfect place.

The name.....

Clandon Wood was the given name (it was only known as part of the Cuckoo Farm estate) as the original plan was to completely cover the land with trees.

The name continued however, when it was decided to create as diverse an environment as possible; by including wildflower meadows and a lake and wetland. This would vastly increase the potential wildlife eco-systems.

Why Natural Burial?

RESPONSIBILITY

OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO YOU
Natural burial explains the situation, not exploits it.

Natural Burial cares and reassures you that you are not alone; helping you through emotional and challenging times.

We can inform you of the options and the choices for someone who is dying.

You will know what you have to do when someone dies and what you can and what you can’t do after someone dies.

You will know where you can get this information and you will know that the information comes from someone who cares enough to advise and assist you, whether you use their services or not.

Free Choice - Your own decisions, from unbiased information that was freely sort and freely given.

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILTY
Natural Burial is a far more responsible way for us to manage the end of our lives.

Natural Burial cares for the environment; creating new environments and wildlife habitats.

Planned and balanced eco-systems; caring about what is put in the ground, what appears above the ground and how we look after the ground.

Considered ground management practices allow the land to still be used as a beneficial and natural resource.

Natural burial - the way it should be

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES - YOUR RIGHTS AND YOUR FAMILY
One day you will die.

You have the right to die where you choose and in whose company.

You have the right to say if you want to be resuscitated.

You have the right to refuse drugs.

With Rights, Come Responsibilities

It is your life. It is your death. It is also your responsibility to protect those close to you.

Ensure your end-of-life plans are clear, concise and paid for.

Ensure that family or friends do not have to make decisions after your death.

Decisions made whilst grieving are difficult, upsetting and often regretted.

Decide. Plan. Pay.

Safeguard your family and friends. It is the only way to preserve your wishes.

Do not put off end-of-life plans.

FUNERALS

Different Ideas - Your Choices - Rewarding Conclusions

A funeral you will want to remember, in a place you won’t want to forget.

Calm, unhurried, secular or spiritual services.

There are no rules; you write the script.

A Funeral with Us

Calm

Death and dying can be an uncomfortable subject.
You may have never been to a funeral, let alone a natural burial.
Let me reassure you.
Everything at Clandon Wood will feel familiar.
Your surroundings will feel normal; calm and unruffled.
You might be feeling anxious but you won’t feel uncomfortable.

Your choice, your decisions

At a time when you are probably at your most vulnerable, we can help and guide you.
Unhurried.
At a measured pace.
You will be advised as to what is required, what is possible and what is not necessary.
We care enough to advise and assist you, whether you use our services or not.
Free choice and your own decisions;
from unbiased information, that can be freely sought and is freely given.

A people place

Clandon Wood is a people place.
It’s your place and my place; it’s for your family and for my family.
Devoted to our visitors and devoid of cars, all vehicles are required to be parked, in seclusion and out of sight in the landscape.

The Pavilion

For funeral and memorial services, the pavillion is built entirely of timber and glass; with a meadow roof, the pavilion supported by wooden columns, touches the ground lightly; seeming to float in the landscape.
Fully heated by a wood pellet furnace when it turns cold and in fine weather the glass walls will slide apart and the buildings contained space can flow out across the wooden deck into open spaces.

It’s your funeral

Whether it is literally your funeral that you are planning or for family or a friend, you can be assured that it can be a funeral that you will want to remember in a place you won’t want to forget.
Chosen, arranged, accomplished and fulfilled, by you; with your family; with your friends; with our help.

Time

Funeral time has been hijacked by those with their own agendas. Agendas that are at odds with your entitlements and your emotions. At Clandon Wood you will be given as much time as you need, to quell and soothe the grief of the day.

A walk to the grave

The procession has gone from our funerals.
In days gone by, the funeral started at home and proceeded on foot to the cemetery, where the service was held and the body buried with all due respect.

Life, death and renewal

Natural burial is very much about life and renewal through nature. The cycle of the seasons reflecting our succession through life. Everywhere there will be light and air and a sense of hope for the future.