West Lancashire Crematorium opens new baby memorial garden

West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium has announced the opening of its new Four Seasons Baby Garden.

The new ‘secret garden’ area, away from the main chapel building, is a dedicated memorial area to remember babies and young children, including those lost in the early stages of pregnancy.

The steel tree at the heart of the garden is surrounded by four scatter beds to represent the four seasons.

The tree has green leaves which can be removed and engraved with a personal memorial message before being replaced.

Bereaved families will have the opportunity to plant bulbs in the garden area in memory of babies and infants they have lost.

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital’s monthly ‘our babies’ service at the crematorium will also be using the new Four Seasons Baby Garden for each of its regular events.

Martin Abrams, spiritual care and chaplaincy lead at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust, said: “I have been privileged to be involved in the “Our Babies” services, for early pregnancy loss, since the first service around 25 years ago.

“The garden here is for all pregnancy, baby and child loss and I know from previous experience of supporting families at such a terribly sad time that having a baby garden to visit can be very special and helpful.”

Laura Linnane, site manager, added: “The loss of a loved one is always a very difficult and emotional time, but losing a baby or infant can be particularly traumatic. That’s why we wanted to create a special area, away from the main chapel building and other facilities, where families could come for quiet moments of reflection and remembrance.

“We hope this new garden will be a focus of support and care for those who go through a pregnancy, baby or child loss.”