Q4 2019

9 | Q4 2019 Aug19177 Providing a Better Way Clandon Wood has positioned itself as the sustainable answer for human burials and the burial of cremated remains. Due to their continued efforts in the sustainability sphere, Clandon Wood was named ‘Surrey’s Nature Reserve of the Year’ in the 2019 SME Business Elite programme. We spoke with Simon Farrer, Founder, to find out more about their mission and work. Sustainability and naturalism have, since the very beginning, defined Clandon Wood’s approach to burials. Starting life as 31 acres of barren, unused farmland, the area has been transformed into picturesque wildflower meadows, native woodland, long grasses, and lakes – by all regards, the perfect location for a final resting place. For Simon, this was very much the plan from the start: to provide a better alternative to common funeral practices. “We serve in two main ways. Firstly, in support of families in the event of a death. We inform people of what has to be done after someone has died and also all of the other options and choices open to them. In full knowledge, families can then make informed decisions on planning an inclusive funeral enabling them to retain emotional ownership of the arrangements and financial control of the costs. Clandon Wood provides a full infrastructure supports funeral and memorial services, ongoing family support, social and holistic events. “Secondly, we provide an ecologically sustainable and responsible natural environment for life celebration, reflection, quiet recreation and education that is secure for generations to come.” In Simon’s mind, current ‘best practices’ do not provide a responsible use of resources, with very little in the way of peace of mind for the relatives of those buried in cemeteries. Due to Clandon Wood’s unique dual purpose as a Nature Reserve and burial ground, the land is protected from development and disturbance. “Equally, the Nature Reserve acts as the heart of the community for reflection and education while providing a beautiful, sustainable and responsible burial ground.” Throughout it all, as Simon details in his closing comments, the team at Clandon Wood remain committed to their primary goal of providing a quiet haven for everyone that comes through their gates. “As for the future we aim to continually improve our prime natural asset and expand with two other locations. Two further sites are the main focus in growing our brand to 2022. Advanced negotiations for a second site serving south west London are in progress with the Royal Borough of Kingston and another site is being sourced in Berkshire. “Other than that, we want to continue to invest in and improve upon our natural infrastructure. To develop Clandon Wood as a Natural Centre of excellence, education, conservation and quiet recreation.” Name: Simon Ferrar Address: Epsom Road, west Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7TT, United Kingdom Website: www.clandonwood.com Telephone: 07870 518292