Natural or Green Burial Grounds
Woodland and natural burial sites began appearing about 30 years ago and now there are over 300 across the UK. Often places of beauty and tranquillity, most are woodland, for example Rattery and Yealmpton, some are meadows, like Sharpham Meadow.
Many have relatively young trees still and most have lovely views.
Natural burial grounds do not permit coffins that include man-made materials such as plastic; they must be fully biodegradable. Coffins such as those made from willow or cardboard, or perhaps a locally made felt shroud, would be ideal.
In order to keep natural burial ground maintenance to a minimum, and to let wildlife flourish, they tend to strim the grasses and wildflowers only twice a year. For this reason, most permit only a flat plaque or grave-marker which lies flush to the ground, instead of a big upright headstone. Also, person's body must not be embalmed due to the chemicals used in the embalming process.
We have been organising and pioneering Green Funerals for many years and are proud to be founder members of the Association of Green Funeral Directors, and recommended by the Natural Death Centre.
Woodland burial sites in Devon
There are 12 in Devon and vary in price from £800 to £1800 for a single plot burial.
South Hams
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Sharpham Meadow (near Totnes)
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South Hams Woodland Burial at Lower Cross Park near Aveton Gifford
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Chudleigh Natural Burial at Chudleigh Cemetery
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Dartmouth Natural Burial (section of Longcross Cemetery, Dartmouth)
Mid Devon
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Great Bradley Cottage (at Templeton near Tiverton)
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Crossways (Cheriton Bishop)
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Exwick Natural Burial (section of Exwick Cemetery, Exeter)
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Beer Cross Woodland Burial (near Sampford Courtenay)
East Devon
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Seaton Natural Burial (section of Seaton Cemetery)
North Devon
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Mole Valley Woodland Burial (Queen’s Nympton, near South Molton)
