Woodland and green burials alternatives to traditional burials are now ‘a real possibility’ in Argyll and Bute – with Cove’s Barbour cemetery (pictured) among the sites chosen.
Seen as a natural extension of an environmentally aware lifestyle, woodland burials are less formal than traditional burials, with the deceased being interred in a shallower, single lair.
The coffins are biodegradable, with the material tending to be wicker or bamboo.
Maintenance of these sites is in keeping with the natural woodland setting, with the grass being cut only once a year and trees being planted around the grave to create a pleasant, natural environment over time.
Ellen Morton, the council’s policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: ‘’We are aware that this type of burial is an attractive option for some people which is why we have put the measures in place to make it a real possibility.
‘’As people become more environmentally aware some may wish to provide important environmental benefits after they are gone, giving a true sense of creating life from death.
‘’We would encourage anyone interested in this type of burial to get in touch with our helpful amenity services staff who will be able to provide more information and advice.’’
The council says that these burials require more land than a traditional burial due to the low density of the lairs and the single graves.
This, combined with the maintenance regime, which differs significantly from that of the more traditional parts of the cemeteries, means the price will be around twice that of a conventional lair.
As well as the Barbour cemetery in Cove, three other sites have been chosen – Carrick cemetery in Tarbert, Strachur cemetery and Pennyfuir Cemetery in Oban – as these include specific woodland burial areas, using parts of the cemetery that naturally lend themselves to future planting.
For further information go to the council website or call 01546 605514.
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