Springwood cemetery was opened in 1995 and is approximately 3.5 acres in size, it was one of the first woodland burial sites in the country and most certainly the only one on the Isle of Wight at that time, in 1996 parts of the cemetery were consecrated by the Bishop of Portsmouth, to celebrate this occasion the general public were invited, and an open day and funeral exhibition was held in the grounds, this was done over a three day period and proved very popular. All aspects of the funeral profession were covered ranging from displaying of traditional coffins to the more unusual painted personalized coffins and environmentally friendly ones; this generated a lot of interest from the national press. Also memorials and a selection of funeral vehicles were on show including a horse drawn hearse. In 2005 Springwood cemetery became a finalist in the “Cemetery of the year awards” which was a national competion, and a great achievement for the cemetery.

Springwood cemetery prides itself on being a peaceful and tranquil place of natural outstanding beauty, and a haven for wildlife. Since the cemetery was created bird feeders, nesting boxes, slowworm areas, kestrel boxes and stands have all been added, these have encouraged and protected wildlife, as a result we now have resident squirrels, hares, foxes, kestrels, owls and many other birds within the cemetery. The pond at the top of the cemetery is full of pond life and a separate marsh area has been formed to provide homes for all diferent types of plants and insects, you’ll also find a wide range of fish which people enjoy to feed on their visits. Ducks have also been seen to frequent the pond and just lately a family of moorhens have made there home there. There are areas within the cemetery which are managed to encourage wild flowers such as cow slips, poppies and wild orchids, having these areas provides an ideal enviroment for Insect life to thrive. All burial plots are maintained by the cemetery authority and are regularly mown to a high standard.

The cemetery has many watering points in close proximity to all burial plots and rubbish bins are situated strategically around the cemetery with a compost area for all biodegradable matter which people are encouraged to use. Secluded seating areas are tastefully situated around the cemetery for people who want to have a quiet time and reflect, some of these benches have been dedicated to their loved ones and friends.

From the large main parking area leads to the memorial garden a secluded area where people can sit and reflect. In the memorial garden there have been large stones erected where people can have a larger bronze memorial plaque.

Within the cemetery there are consecrated and non consecrated areas this caters for all beliefs, each grave has a tree planted in memory of their loved one and a simple bronze memorial plaque to mark the grave is placed at the base of the tree, there are also areas for cremated remains these areas are already planted with trees so relatives can select their tree and the cremated remains will be buried in front of their chosen tree, this option caters for people who do not wish for a full burial but would prefer cremation.

The cemetery is a haven for wildlife in all shapes and forms; this is in the true sense creating life from death.