Trust History

The Arbory Trust is a Church of England registered charity. We have no geographical or theological boundaries governing those who may be buried at the Arbory Trust - people from all races and religions, from near or far, are genuinely and regularly welcomed to the burial ground.

The Arbory Trust was established in 2000, offering a real alternative to churchyards and municipal cemeteries, many of which are either full or nearing capacity.

The land at Barton was originally church glebe land, and we maintain that link by referring to the site at Barton as Barton Glebe. As the years have passed, the trees and wild flowers planted and sown at the start of the scheme in a bare field have flourished, and the Glebe is a beautiful place to be, offering a natural beauty and openness which many churchyards and cemeteries cannot. A wide variety of wildlife is also now returning to the site, adding a new dimension to its development. For an update on the birdlife in particular, do read the bird life articles written by Trustee Dr Gareth Thomas in 2008 and 2009, which are available on the Leaflets, newsletters and forms page.

As a non-profit making organisation, any surplus funds generated will go towards ensuring the continued maintenance of our burial grounds in the future, and buying more land to create further woodland burial grounds around the country.

In 2009 we acquired an adjacent field at Barton, bringing our total area to approximately 40 acres. This has now been planted up, and was opened to the public for access in 2010. We call this the North Glebe, the original area being the South Glebe. It will not be opened up for burial for a few years yet, as we have plenty of room in the original area, and we wish the woodland to be given time to become established.

The freehold land at Barton is owned by the Trust, and the first phase was consecrated by the Bishop of Ely (Chair of the Trustees) in 2002. The Memorial Lodge (generously funded by donations) was dedicated by him in 2005.

In 2010 the Lodge was extended to provide enhanced accommodation and facilities for visitors. All donations towards this project were (and still are) gratefully received and very much appreciated.

The Arbory Trustees offer a wide range of expertise, from theological to land management input, which has contributed hugely to both the establishment and continuing development of the Trust.

The current trustees, most of whom have been involved with the Trust since its inception, are: