Memorial Benches and Trees
One way to remember a loved one is to purchase a memorial bench for installation within Burnham Parish. This not only gives a long-lasting memorial to your loved one, but provides a much appreciate amenity for visitors and residents
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The style of bench we use is pictured below: they are made from recycled plastic and cast iron, and will last for many years. Once your bench is installed, the Parish Council will take on ownership and the responsibility for maintaining the bench.
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You can have the option of a memorial plaque on the bench or have the bench engraved with agreed words of your choice.
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If you are interested in providing a long-lasting memorial to a loved-one, please get in touch using the form below.
Memorial Trees
In addition to our long standing and popular memorial bench scheme, the Council is now offering a memorial tree scheme. This gives you the chance to commemorate your loved one in a different way whilst also adding to the beautiful natural environment of the village.
The council policy is to charge at cost for the tree and plaque and then to take responsibility for the maintenance - we do not add any administrative charges or make any 'profit' on the scheme.
We are very happy to discuss your preferred location, but please bear in mind that it must be on Parish Council owned land. In general Burnham Park is felt to be the most suitable location for memorial trees, but we will also consider requests for our land at the Cherry Orchard, the village green in front of Burnham Park Hall, the Parish Council land at The Fairway or Stomp Road. We are also hoping to take over management of the Pond at Lent Green Land and surrounding land from Spring 2026, and would then be happy to consider memorial trees there (checking whether we can do this under the agreement).
We are also keen to work with you to select a suitable type of tree. It must fit in with the trees already at the location, and depending on the location suitable options may include oak, beech, cherry, sycamore, London plane, cedar, chestnut etc.
We generally advise that a more mature tree is advisable as it has a better chance of taking in the soil. Prices vary, but the Ashridge Nursery website https://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/ has a good selection to give an idea. Trees with a girth of 6-8cm tend to cost around £100, and 8-10cm around £150.
Depending on your preference we can let you know when the tree is being planted so you can attend the planting, or we can arrange to put it in and let you know when it has been done.
If you are interested in providing a memorial tree as a memorial to your loved-one, please get in touch using the form below.
Please note that costs are subject to change and to any wording requested.
Full details will be provided to you before any commitment is needed
If you are interested, please get in touch with the Assistant Clerk on Assistantclerk@burnhamparish.gov.uk
Please note
Due to the success of the scheme, and the number of benches now installed of the parts of the ‘village green’ closest to Burnham Park Hall, the Council does not intend to add further benches in that area. The preferred locations for new benches are:
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i. The borders of the village green outside Burnham Park Hall (close to the white rail).
ii. Burnham Park, particularly in areas of the park without benches.
iii. The George Pitcher Memorial Ground (the Cherry Orchard).
iv. The Parish Council land at The Fairway or Stomp Road.
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We are also happy to consider other locations. If a location is considered suitable but is not owned by the Parish Council then we will work with you to seek permission from the landowner.
If we cannot install a bench in your chosen location we will work with you to find the best possible alternative.
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Please note the cost of the bench is subject to change and to any wording requested. It is the policy of the council to charge this at cost, and not to add any additional charges. Full details will be provided to you before any commitment is needed