Burial in the Woodland

A grave plot bought in a woodland area at Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground provides the option of a memorial tree planted on the grave. These are all native trees, locally grown, ensuring that what we are creating are pockets of strong and natural woodland.

As we began with an open field, our trees are still small, the first having been planted in 2006. However, in time, as the trees grow, the woodland areas will provide a restful and more private atmosphere, through which paths will meander.

A small slate memorial tree plaque can be bought to be placed beside the tree, marking the grave.

During the summer months, path are strimmed along one side of the graves, allowing visitors to reach specific graves and their plaques. Growth around the trees is cleared just enough to ensure the trees stay healthy.

Trees are planted in November or December. Families are invited to attend the planting, or indeed get involved and muddy, planting the tree themselves. For more information, see our Activity Days page.

In the photograph here, you will see that some woodland graves are sown with wildflowers. This is a policy we are currently reviewing, as flowers can become thick around saplings and will thrive only until the growing tree starts to cut out the light with its canopy. The photograph does not show the tracks and paths that are mown in the long summer grass.