General information

Springwood Cemetery was opened in 1995 and is approximately 8 acres in size. It was one of the first woodland burial sites in the country and most certainly the only one on the Isle of Wight at that time.

Individual or family plots are available for full burials or interment of cremated remains. In 1996 parts of the cemetery were consecrated by the Bishop of Portsmouth, offering individuals a choice of consecrated or non-consecrated areas, ensuring all beliefs are catered for.

Each grave has a tree planted in memory of a loved one and a simple bronze memorial plaque to mark the grave is placed at the base of the tree. There are also areas for cremated remains these areas are already planted with trees so relatives can select their tree and the cremated remains will be buried in front of their chosen tree, this option caters for people who do not wish for a full burial but would prefer cremation. All burial plots are maintained by the cemetery authority and are regularly mown.

In 2005 Springwood Cemetery became a finalist in the "Cemetery of the Year awards" which was a national competition, and a great achievement for the cemetery.

Springwood Cemetery prides itself on being a peaceful and tranquil place of natural outstanding beauty, and a haven for wildlife. Since the cemetery was created bird feeders, nesting boxes, slowworm areas, kestrel boxes and stands have all been added, these have encouraged and protected wildlife. As a result we now have resident squirrels, hares, foxes, kestrels, owls and many other birds within the cemetery.

The pond at the top of the cemetery is full of pond life and a separate marsh area has been formed to provide homes for all different types of plants and insects, you'll also find a wide range of fish which people enjoy to feed on their visits. Ducks have also been seen to frequent the pond and just lately a family of moorhens have made their home there. There are areas within the cemetery which are managed to encourage wild flowers such as cow slips, poppies and wild orchids, having these areas provides an ideal environment for insect life to thrive.

Headstones are not used at all on our burial site and there are no vases of flowers, statues or artificial objects. This is a place where graves become a part of the landscape.

The cemetery has many watering points in close proximity to all burial plots. A trailer is provided for compost and biodegradable matter which people are encouraged to use. We encourage people to take all non-biodegradable rubbish, such as plastic away with them. Secluded seating areas are tastefully situated around the cemetery for people who want to have a quiet time and reflect.

The large parking area leads to the memorial garden, a secluded area where people can sit and reflect. In the memorial garden there have been large stones erected where people can have a larger bronze memorial plaque.

The cemetery is a haven for wildlife in all shapes and forms; this is in the true sense creating life from death.