Environment
Poppy fields Cemetery and Hemel Hempstead Crematorium
Poppy Fields Cemetery
With Woodwells Cemetery reaching its capacity, Dacorum Borough Council has constructed the new Poppy Fields Cemetery off Bedmond Road next to Bunkers Park. The cemetery was opened on 31st July 2023 and shares the seven acre site with the new Hemel Hempstead Crematorium.
Drawing inspiration from the Victorian era, the cemetery features kidney-shaped areas bordered by roadways providing a peaceful ambience for families to commemorate their loved ones. Additionally, Poppy Fields has been carefully landscaped to create a natural habitat that supports birds, mammals and insects, fostering biodiversity
Hemel Hempstead Crematorium
The new Hemel Hempstead Crematorium, which was officially opened on 18th September 2023, is a sister-site to the award-winning West Herts Crematorium in Garston. It has been built to provide additional capacity for the West Hertfordshire region.
The crematorium has a single chapel accommodating 140 people which overlooks a tranquil reflection pond. Thanks to the asymmetrical layout and catafalque, the chapel creates a sense of intimacy regardless of the number of people attending a service and benefits from a ‘protected view’ that allows natural light, complete privacy and a view over the surrounding landscape. There is a separate pavilion with memorial facilities and a Remembrance Garden. The Crematorium offers extensive car parking with 150 parking spaces, 12 disabled parking bays, two coach bays and an area for a horse and carriage. Wheelchairs can also be provided.
