The Centre for Natural Burial

By Neil Phillips, Bucks Free Press

AS work forges ahead to complete a woodland cemetery for Beaconsfield, the first funerals have already been staged there. Building work is hoped to be completed by Easter, ahead of a full opening to the public shortly afterwards.

But the grounds, in Pitlands Wood off Potkiln Lane, are gradually being opened up for people to enjoy a walk, arrange a burial, scatter ashes or reserve a space.

Up to 12 new jobs will be created for woodland specialists and support staff, led by manager Fran Hall, an award winning former funeral director from Denham.

She said: “Increasingly people want more choice and our overall aim is to offer a better bereavement experience, whether a family wants a traditional funeral or something very individual.

“We’ve had a lot of interest and have already held a number of burials. Families find it very comforting to lay their loved one to rest under a magnificent tree in the heart of the English countryside – a more satisfying experience than is often the case in overcrowded, traditional cemeteries.”

The 72-acre green cemetery, made of environmentally friendly materials, was given the go ahead in 2007.

Developers, Colney Memorial Parks, which drew up with the plan alongside landowners the Forestry Commission, says everything in the park will be biodegradable as part of a “circle of life” theme.

When completed, Chiltern Woodland Burial Park, which is being built in partnership with The Forestry Commission, will be the largest of its kind in the country and is intended to offer families a natural alternative to traditional funeral options.

It It will be staffed every day of the year, with a woodland plan in place which the park says will enrich and restore the natural surroundings.

Emma Munday, Chiltern area manager for the Forestry Commission, said: “Nowhere is the cycle of life more apparent than in our woodlands and we wholeheartedly support environmentally sustainable initiatives such as this which enable people to benefit from all that nature has to offer.”

The work being carried out now includes access improvements, security fencing, and the building of a reception centre, woodland hall, gathering hall and maintenance barn.

The park is based on a concept developed in Norfolk by Woodland Burial Parks, which also manages a park in Epping Forest, Essex.

For more information go to www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk