AN overgrown woodland has been turned into an oasis of tranquility for the local community.

Fowles Funeral Services have developed a garden of reflection at the back of their premises in Delamere Street.

New trees, bushes, plants and bulbs have been planted and feeding sites set up for animals.

Northwich Guardian:

Carole Fowles, left, talking to a member of the public in the garden of reflection

A handmade bench created for people to remember loved ones has also been placed in the new nature reserve.

The seat had been removed from the water's edge at Winsford Flashes after being trashed for the second time in a month.

Vandals had wrenched six inch bolts out of the ground and tossed aside.

The memorial bench now takes pride of place inside the garden which is open for anyone wishing to spend a few quiet moments.

Funeral director Dave Fowles said: "Fowles Funeral Services has been part of Winsford for more than six generations and we wanted to give something back to the town's people.

"The garden is for anyone who wishes to sit in a tranquil place."

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Garden of reflection

James Fowles was the original founder when the family was also builders and constructed the Guild Hall and in 1918, the town hospital.

In 1957 Arthur Fowles moved the business from the town centre to its current site in Delamere Street.

The land at the back of the premises had become neglected.

"There is a picture of me and my sister sitting on our mum's knee when I was only three," said dad-of-three Dave, 48. "It was an empty field then but over the years it has become densely populated with trees that were dying because there was no light."

After extensive landscaping, including a new woodchip path, a peaceful sanctuary has been created.

"Families have kindly donated trees, plants and flowers," said Dave. "We're delighted to have been offered the coronavirus memorial bench for safe keeping.

"This area of tranquility is a special place where families can sit after visiting loved ones or just come and enjoy a peaceful space and remember relatives and friends.

"We have sat with families and arranged funerals out there as we are not allowed to visit people in their own homes at present.

"When the gates are open, people are more then welcome to come into the garden. If they want a brew, they just have to ask us.

"This is your garden of reflection."

Fowles wish to thank Birches Crematorium for donating hedging and Mike Beeston Services for carrying out the landscaping and donating another bench.