Headstone Discovered in Nottinghamshire Nature Reserve: Origin Remains Unknown

The provenance of a headstone dedicated to a “little princess,” which was found in a scenic area of Nottinghamshire, is still unknown, a council has reported. Gedling Borough Council initiated an inquiry into the stone’s source following its discovery within Hobbucks Nature Reserve. Laura Dores, aged 37, encountered the memorial during a dog walk and expressed concern that it might have been stolen and subsequently abandoned at the location. According to the council, their investigations indicated the stone had been present “for a while,” and no corresponding name was found in their grave records. Ms Dores commented: “I was walking here on my lunch break and I didn’t like the look of it, there was a pushchair next to it and I imagine kids have moved it but it’s horrid.” She added, “I hope it can be returned to where it should be, it looks like a baby grave with it being [in the shape of] a teddy bear.” Henry Wheeler, who serves as the borough councillor for the Coppice ward, requested the authority to examine the headstone after observing Ms Dores’s online post. Confirming that its origin remains a “complete mystery,” he stated: “It’s quite disturbing, it’s not something you come across every day of the week, it’s very unusual.” He continued, “It hasn’t been identified and we don’t know [where it’s come from].” He further remarked: “We think the headstone’s been put there but there’s nothing in the ground.” He noted, “The council has checked their records and say there’s no graves in Gedling matching the name on the stone.” Additionally, he pointed out, “The stone has no markings on the back, which usually they would have, so we can’t find out where it’s come from.” In an official statement, the council indicated that social media discussions suggested the stone had been present “for a while.” A spokesperson further explained that the absence of dates on the stone prevented a search of its records, and the council speculated it might have been initially placed there with ashes before being relocated by “local children.” The headstone has since been taken away by the landowner and is currently being stored. The council advises that individuals wishing to claim the headstone should contact its switchboard at 0115 901 3901 to make arrangements for its retrieval.