Leedam Natural Burials

28/10/2025

🎙️ Big news from Leedam and Henley-on-Thames Woodland Burial Ground!

Our dedicated gravedigger and custodian team, Jonny and Phil, were interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire this morning 🎧

They shared heartfelt insights into the care, compassion and natural burial options we offer and what makes our little slice of earth truly special.

We’re so proud of Jonny and Phil for representing us and helping to raise awareness about what natural burial means for families and the environment. 🌿

Want to hear the interview? Visit BBC Radio Berkshire and listen to the Kirsten O'Brien show, the interview starts at 10.20.10.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/schedules/bbc_radio_berkshire

View the daily broadcast schedule for Radio Berkshire. Find out what's on now and what's up next, or see schedules up to 7 days ahead.

28/10/2025

Jonny is on the radio from 10am https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_berkshire right now! Have a listen to this lovely man...

24/10/2025

🕰️ Clocks go back this weekend 🕰️

🍂 As autumn settles in and the clocks go back, our days grow a little shorter.

Our burial grounds remain open during daylight hours, welcoming you to visit loved ones, walk among the trees, and find peace in nature’s quiet beauty. 🌳✨

13/10/2025

We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of the ‘Gravedigger of the Year’ award than our very own Jonny Yaxley! 🏆💚

Jonny is our gravedigger at Henley Woodland Burial Ground, and he’s just been recognised at the Good Funeral Awards 2025 for his incredible care and compassion.

Jonny is dedicated to helping families, not only on the day of the funeral, but long after, when they return to visit their loved ones. He’s that friendly, familiar face at the burial ground who always takes the time to listen, help, and care. 🌿

Many imagine his job to be dark or depressing, but Jonny sees it differently. For him, this work is life-affirming, full of meaning, connection, and kindness.

We’re so proud of you, Jonny. Congratulations on this truly well-deserved recognition! 💚

https://www.leedam.com/journal/celebrating-jonny-yaxley-gravedigger-of-the-year

Henley Woodland’s Jonny Yaxley wins Gravedigger of the Year recognised for his compassion, care, and life-affirming approach to every burial.

23/09/2025

🍂 Autumn at the Burial Ground 🍂

As summer fades, the hedgerows and woodland edges come alive with berries, fruits, and colour. Blackberries ripen, rowan glows scarlet, acorns scatter, each one a reminder of the season’s abundance and the wildlife it sustains.

A walk here at this time of year is a chance to slow down, notice the details, and feel the quiet rhythm of nature. 🌿

Read more: https://www.leedam.com/journal/the-colours-of-autunm

Discover the colours and fruits of autumn at our natural burial grounds, a season of abundance, reflection, and quiet beauty in nature.

22/09/2025

The first day of Autumn is here. 🌾🍁
Golden leaves, soft light, and cooler days, a season to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty around us. 🍂

17/09/2025

“She asked to be buried in a green cemetery.” 🌿

For this family, natural burial felt right, a place filled with walks she loved, and a choice she’d be proud of.

If you’re thinking about alternatives to traditional funerals, natural burial might be the option that feels closer to the heart. 💚

13/09/2025

✨ Happy Positive Thinking Day! ✨

Today is all about focusing on the good and letting optimism shine. 💛 A positive mindset can brighten even the cloudiest day, and nature has a way of helping us find that peace. 🌿

Take a moment to step outside, breathe deeply, and reflect on the beauty around you. Let’s fill today with kindness, gratitude, and a little extra positivity. 🌞

What’s one thing you’re grateful for today? Share it in the comments! 💚

26/08/2025

🐶 Happy National Dog Day

Dogs bring us so much comfort, especially during life’s most difficult moments. Their quiet companionship, loyalty, and love are often exactly what we need as we navigate grief and remembrance.

At all of our Leedam Natural Burial Grounds, we understand the special role dogs play in our lives. That’s why well-behaved dogs on leads are always welcome to walk beside you.

Whether you're visiting a loved one, walking in quiet reflection, or simply enjoying nature, we hope this peaceful space brings comfort to both you and your four-legged companions. 🐕

21/08/2025

Discover the gentle beauty of natural burial at Henley-on-Thames Woodland Burial Ground. 🌳

Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, Henley offers a peaceful alternative to traditional cemeteries, where wildflowers bloom, birdsong fills the air, and every resting place becomes part of the landscape.

In this video, families share heartfelt reflections about laying loved ones to rest here, alongside the voices of the custodian and gravedigger who care for the ground with compassion and respect.

✨ Whether you’re planning ahead or simply curious about greener funeral choices, this video offers a glimpse into a gentler, more natural farewell.

➡️ Find out more or arrange a visit:
www.leedam.com/locations/henley-on-thames/

🎥 Filmed by TwentySeven Frames

18/08/2025

🌿 Let’s talk about greenwashing in the funeral industry.

More and more people are looking for eco-friendly funerals, which is a positive shift that reflects growing awareness of our impact on the planet.

But with that demand has come confusion. Some services marketed as “green” may not be as sustainable as they seem. This is known as greenwashing, when environmental claims are exaggerated or misleading.

At Leedam, we’re committed to full transparency and genuine sustainability. No shortcuts, no greenwashing, just a peaceful return to the earth.

In our latest blog, we gently explore what greenwashing looks like in the funeral industry, how to spot it, and what to look for in a truly natural burial.

💚 Read the full article here: https://www.leedam.com/journal/understanding-greenwashing-in-the-funeral-industry/

Learn how to spot greenwashing in funerals and what to look for in a truly natural burial. A simple, honest guide from Leedam.