A new reflective garden has officially opened at Brookwood Cemetery to help mark the Railway 200 celebrations, thanks to a collaborative volunteering project supported by South Western Railway, Network Rail, Leslie J Thorpe, Hackwood Building Services Ltd, and Sage Landscape Gardening.

Jacksons Fencing contributed to the reflective garden project at the 500-acre cemetery by donating black Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing and gates, which now provide secure and elegant demarcation between the public footpath and the garden itself. The fencing comes with a 25 year service life guarantee and features an architectural grade black powder coating for long-lasting protection against rust and weathering. Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing is specially designed with wider gaps at the top of each loop to prevent children from getting their heads, necks, or limbs caught between the bars. This makes it a trusted choice for schools, parks and community spaces where safety and durability are priorities.

The reflective garden was formally opened on the 24th September on the historic site of the former cemetery railway line, which operated between 1854 and 1941. To honour its past, a commemorative section of track has been laid where the railway once ran, blending heritage with a calm new space for visitors to pause and reflect.

Guests at the official opening included senior members of staff from South Western Railway, Network Rail, and Brookwood Cemetery, as well as local MPs, historians, and community representatives. The ribbon was cut by Cllr Amanda Boote, Mayor of Woking.

Nick Bishenden from Jacksons Fencing said:

“Our Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing and gates were designed to combine security, safety, and elegance, making them ideal for places where people of all ages come together. It is wonderful to see them used here to provide clear separation between the public footpath and the garden, creating a safe and welcoming environment for visitors while protecting this special space.”

Paula Aldridge, Community Rail Manager at South Western Railway, added:

“We’re so proud to have brought this reflective garden to life as part of Railway 200, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and expertise of our partners. I’d like to thank Jacksons Fencing for their involvement; the quality of their contribution has helped create a lasting, safe, and beautiful space that will benefit the community for years to come.”

The site itself carries a remarkable story. Brookwood Cemetery was once served by the London Necropolis Railway, a unique Victorian funeral service that transported coffins and mourners from London to the cemetery. Operating from a dedicated station near Waterloo, the line offered first, second, and third class carriages, not only for mourners but for the coffins too. For nearly a century, it provided a practical solution to overcrowded London graveyards, before it was damaged during the Blitz in 1941 and never reopened.

The reflective garden project is part of Railway 200, a national campaign celebrating 200 years since the world’s first passenger railway to use steam locomotives opened on 27th September 1825. The initiative showcases the importance of Britain’s railways to inspire future generations to join the rail industry and highlight rail’s role in building a sustainable future.

The new garden at Brookwood stands as a fitting tribute to the cemetery railway and a valuable contribution to Railway 200, connecting local heritage with community spirit.