A BURIAL ground and memorial gardens with views over Poole Harbour is marking 10 years since it opened.

Tapper Funeral Service's Harbour View in Lytchett Minster has provided a final resting place to more than 1,800 people since its founding over Easter in 2005 and was last year awarded gold at the South and South East in Bloom Awards.

With views overlooking the lagoons of Poole Harbour, the rolling hills of the Purbecks and the ancient site of Corfe Castle, Harbour View’s natural setting has offered the bereaved the chance to visit the resting place of their loved ones in a tranquil area.

Steven Tapper, joint managing director at Tapper Funeral Service, said: “Harbour View Woodland Burial Ground is a beautiful place. Nestled into the Dorset countryside, it has offered a place of interment for nearly 2,000 people.

“The services offered, both traditional and non-traditional, have been well received – catering for all religions. I’m so happy that people have recognised that this eco-friendly space should be comforting, refreshing and quiet in beautiful surroundings.”

Throughout the years, the team at the burial ground has made environmental conservation its priority, with extensive biodiversity surveys being carried out with new trees, flowers and nesting areas incorporated to encourage a host of wildlife.

Rachel Lawton, manager of the Harbour View team, added: “It has been great to witness the changes of Harbour View from when it first opened. Woodland burials play a part in preserving our precious wildlife and natural heritage, and it’s fantastic to be able to see how quickly the environment has evolved and matured in the last 10 years.”

Family-run Tapper Funeral Service was established more than 100 years ago, serving many generations of the communities in Dorset and Hampshire.

It has offices in Bournemouth, Broadstone, Christchurch, Highcliffe-on-Sea, Milford-on-Sea, New Milton, Poole and Ringwood.

Harbour View Woodland Burial and Memorial Gardens is also part of Tapper Funeral Service.