As more people consider their environmental impact, those with a leaning towards an eco-friendly ethos are looking at woodland and natural burial sites as an option for their final resting place.
Accessible and close to the centre of Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Woodlands Burial Area is peaceful and rustic, giving the impression of being nestled at the heart of the countryside.
The grass is mown just twice annually, allowing insects, bees, and birds to enjoy its calm tranquillity, and for those visiting their loved ones on a breezy day, the gentle swishing of the long grass makes for an idyllic, semi-rural scene.
Daniel Intress-Franklin, deputy bereavement services manager at Grimsby Crematorium, said:
“Only a short walk from our Crematorium building, this woodland burial area is popular with people who enjoy the great outdoors during their lifetimes.
“We see many different species of birds in the area, which is set back from the main cemetery grounds, and there are also lots of deer roaming the land.
“The woodlands burial ground is completely natural – we don’t allow memorials on the graves. Instead, families have the option of a tree planted in a person’s memory. We plant a number of species, specifically chosen by our ecologist to attract more wildlife.”
“It is certainly one of the more tranquil parts of our already serene cemetery.”
While the main area of the ground is for burials, there is a section among the trees for people to scatter ashes. For families of the deceased who wish to have their ashes scattered locally, but in an eco-friendly area, this is a lovely option, especially if they also have loved ones in the nearby cemetery.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added:
“The idea of having a ‘living memorial’ in the form of a tree is indeed a lovely one. By utilising this piece of land in our 124-year-old cemetery grounds we are protecting vital woodlands and encouraging new ones.
“A final resting place that is as accessible and eco-friendly as this one is indeed a lovely option for the people of North East Lincolnshire to have.”
A woodland burial at Scartho cemetery is also the most budget friendly. For full details, and for further information about the area, visit: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/births-marriages-and-deaths/bereavement-services/cemeteries/
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