|
A Woodland Burial Ground in Keysoe - Good or bad news? |
|
|
 Revd. Charles Royden
Experience shows that local people are always concerned when they hear
of a woodland burial ground coming to a site near them. Experience also
shows that when people realise what is going on, then that concern
subsides and there is great appreciation for something which is
beneficial for everybody concerned. It is my great hope that a few years
from now people in Keysoe will value their proximity to a woodland
burial ground.
People have asked me whether we will be taking people from all over the
country. Such a question misses the point of what we are doing, and
probably fails to realise how expensive such a funeral would be! The
intention is not to take people from far and wide, rather we want to
encourage the concept of woodland burial, so that all over the country
new consecrated woodland burial grounds are made available. Other
Dioceses of the Church of England have expressed interest and my sincere
hope is that we can eventually have dozens of woodland burial grounds
across the country.
Our existing Church of England woodland burial site at Barton in
Cambridge gives us a clear indication of how things are going to be.
Traffic is minimal, funerals are very quiet affairs and most people
don't even realise when they have taken place. The woodland involves
people who care about the countryside and the environment andthere is
widespread appreciation for what is being achieved.
 Barton Glebe Woodland Burial Ground
Cremation is the choice of most people, but we need to know that it is
done at a terrible cost to the environment. Cremation is responsible for
airborne mercury emissions, atmospheric dioxins and pollutants linked
with cancer and other illnesses. There is growing pressure on government
and local authorities to behave in an environmentally sustainable way.
Burning bodies uses precious fuels, creating greenhouse gases –
cremation is definitely not the answer for those care about the planet
and those they leave behind!
The alternative choice for most people involves traditional cemeteries.
However this form of burial has resulted in vast amounts of land
becoming covered with long rows of graves. Many of these cemeteries are
reaching capacity and the sight of vandalism and dilapidated headstones
is a poor tribute to our loved ones. The much better alternative is
woodland burial. People are buried without gravestones, in managed
woodland areas and the result is a nature reserve which enhances the
environment rather than destroying it.
 The Memorial Lodge at Barton Glebe  The view from the Memorial Lodge at Barton Glebe
Over the period of our lives we use up a vast amount of natural
resources. Woodland burial is a way of acknowledging that fact and
trying to put something back into the environment that has sustained us
throughout our lives. In this country we have sadly lost much of our
natural woodland and from an environmental standpoint it is becoming
increasingly important that we not only preserve what is left of our
natural world, but where possible create new havens for wildlife.
Professor David Bellamy is an enthusiastic supporter, he said " I can
think of no better way of celebrating the continuity of creation than
becoming part of a tree in a piece of countryside destined to become
woodland, full of wild flowers, wildlife and birdsong, forever and ever,
Amen"
Throughout the centuries the Christian church has offered care and
comfort to the dying and bereaved. This experience will be brought to
bear in ensuring that the woodland burial ground at Keysoe is a lasting
memorial to those who choose to be buried there. Those making this
choice will be asked to have coffins made of natural materials. Contrary
to the ignorance surrounding woodland burial, cardboard is hardly ever
used and natural wood is an ideal choice. Many people are surprised to
learn that coffins destined for cremation and ordinary burial are
usually made of plastics and synthetic veneers. These are unsuitable for
woodland burial since they are not environmentally friendly and do not
naturally decompose in the ground. We will work with funeral directors
to ensure that people who choose woodland burial are able to have a real
wood coffin or another natural alternative such as willow or wicker.
Once laid to rest, relatives may choose to mark the grave with a wooden
plaque which will biodegrade over a period of years. Of course all
graves will be discreetly recorded so that their location can be
determined exactly.
Everybody will be welcome at the woodland burial ground, those with
Christian faith, those from other faiths, and people who may have no
faith at all. They will all be united in one important truth, they will
have chosen not to share in practices which cause damage to the
environment. Instead they will share in leaving behind something that
will be of lasting benefit for our children and grandchildren and for
generations to come.
The Reverend Charles Royden
|
