Commemorative Giving at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Dunstable Downs is a place of wide skies, chalk grassland and far-reaching views. It’s somewhere people come to walk, pause and reconnect with the landscape — and for many, it holds deeply personal memories. Whipsnade Tree Cathedral offers a similarly peaceful setting, created after the First World War as a living symbol of faith, hope and reconciliation. Commemorative giving offers a thoughtful way to remember a loved one or mark a special occasion, while helping us care for these special places for future generations.
We offer a small number of carefully chosen ways to remember and celebrate those who matter most. From beautifully crafted bronze oak leaves, inspired by the natural landscape, to rustic benches made from sustainably sourced oak, each commemorative gift is designed to sit quietly within its surroundings, offering a lasting place for reflection while supporting the care of these special places.
Memorial oak leaves
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Downs, memorial oak leaves offer a simple and elegant way to remember someone special. Cast in bronze and inscribed with a personal dedication of up to 40 characters, each leaf is mounted on a beautiful Sweet Chestnut post within Chute Wood, overlooking the sweeping views for which Dunstable Downs is known.
This quiet corner of the landscape provides a peaceful space to pause and reflect. A donation of £275 includes the creation of the leaf, its inscription, installation and ongoing care, ensuring your dedication remains part of the landscape for years to come.
Memorial benches
Memorial benches at both Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Tree Cathedral offer a peaceful place to sit, reflect and feel connected to the landscape. Crafted from locally sourced green oak and finished with a metal plaque bearing an inscription of your choice, each bench becomes a lasting tribute set within a carefully considered setting. At Dunstable Downs, benches are being installed along the new multi-user path, within Chute Wood and at viewpoints overlooking the vale below, while at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral they sit amongst trees planted in the spirit of peace and reconciliation. Locations are allocated by the National Trust to ensure they complement the landscape. A donation of £2,200 covers the materials, installation and care of the bench for a period of ten years, helping us look after these special places for the future.
Caring for your commemorative gift
All commemorative benches and oak leaves are cared for by the National Trust for a period of ten years. We keep a record of each dedication and its location and securely hold contact details should we need to get in touch. While we take reasonable care, items cannot be replaced in the event of fire or theft, and locations may occasionally need to change to protect the landscape and ensure items remain fit for purpose.
By choosing a commemorative gift, you are helping us care for Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, ensuring these special places remain welcoming, peaceful and protected for future generations.
For more information and to see examples of the different memorial options we offer click here
Scattering of Ashes
We understand that many people feel a deep connection to Dunstable Downs and may wish to scatter the ashes of a loved one in a place that holds special meaning. However, to protect this rare and fragile landscape, we are not able to permit the scattering of ashes. We receive a large number of requests, and repeated scattering can have a cumulative impact on the landscape. Over time, ashes can alter soil chemistry and affect the plants and trees that depend on it, and Dunstable Downs is particularly sensitive as a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
We also ask that memorial flowers or other items are not left on the Downs. These can introduce non-native species, affect local wildlife and change the natural character of the landscape. Our responsibility is to care for this place so it can be experienced in its natural state by everyone, now and in the future.
If you are thinking about making a commemorative gift and would like to find out more, our team would be happy to help. Please get in touch with the National Trust at dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01582 500920 to discuss the options available.