Families who recently bought memorials from Westerleigh Group’s crematoria have not only honoured a memory of their loved one but have also helped protect the planet by triggering a £45,500 donation from the business to World Land Trust (WLT). WLT is an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats. Westerleigh pledged to donate £100 to WLT’s Buy an Acre programme for every memorial purchased at any of its crematoria and cemetery sites between 9 September and 6 October – at no cost to the memorial buyer. Every £100 funded the purchase and protection of one acre of land in some of the most biodiverse habitats on earth, but which faces threats such as deforestation, urbanisation and agriculture. 

WLT, which has Sir David Attenborough as one of its patrons, works with a network of partner organisations around the world who are committed to placing local communities at the heart of conservation efforts. WLT partners are the stewards of the land, working with their local communities throughout the conservation process and managing and monitoring the area to help resident species thrive. Giles Palmer, Head of Grounds at Westerleigh Group, said: “Westerleigh Group is proud of its commitment to provide exceptional care to the bereaved and their loved ones. “But our care goes much further than that, including a commitment to minimising our environmental impact by conducting our business in a responsible, sustainable and ethical way and working with partners who share same values. We are so pleased to be able to make a significant contribution to World Land Trust. Those who purchased a memorial during the qualifying period not only have a uniquely personal lasting tribute to a loved one but have also honoured them by helping to protect the planet.” 

Each of Westerleigh Group’s sites offers a huge range of memorialisation options, from family gardens, benches and bird baths to cremation tablets and memorial jewellery, memorial trees, and many others. Tracey Butler, Corporate Partnerships Manager from World Land Trust said: “We are honoured to partner with Westerleigh Group and tremendously grateful for their generosity – this support will achieve incredible impact by bringing crucial habitat under protection, for species, biodiversity, local people and the planet.” 

To find out more about this and more visit World Land Trust.