The procession, organised by Extinction Rebellion Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (XR BCP) held the event to mark the ongoing destruction of the UK’s natural world on Sunday, July 27.
Participants assembled by the Cenotaph before a slow and silent procession made its way through the gardens, at its head a coffin carried by pallbearers and led by a “sombre rhythm” of drummers from XR BCP’s.
The procession finished at Bournemouth Pier, where the celebrants came together in poetry and song.
The event concluded with a symbolic “die-in” which it said was to represent the growing mass extinction silently “unfolding around us”.
Today’s procession sought to raise awareness of this deepening crisis and inspire urgent action.
Kath Chambers, from Bournemouth said: “We walked today not only in grief, but in resistance.
“We’re facing a quiet catastrophe, and it’s time to break the silence.”
Liz Brereton, a counsellor from Bournemouth: “Nobody held a funeral for the mature oak tree that used to grow in my road before it was cruelly destroyed in the name of progress.
“So, today in my heart, I held one for them all.”
The procession created a striking and emotional atmosphere, prompting passers-by to stop, reflect, and join in.
Liz Elwick, a retired council worker from Bournemouth, said: “This wasn’t just about loss.
“It was about love — and what we’re willing to do to protect what we still have.”
“This is what grief looks like when we don’t look away,” said Daniel Glennon, a customer service professional, from Bournemouth.
“It means we care. And caring is how change begins.”
Organisers said while the tone of the event was mournful, the message was ultimately one of hope and a call to action.
Attendees were encouraged to contact their MPs, urge BCP Council to declare a nature emergency, make space for wildlife in their homes and gardens, and join local campaigning groups like XR BCP.