We are all looking forward to our second Open Day
on Saturday June 7 from 2.00pm until 5.00pm
St Albans Woodland Burial Trust is
a charity, established to offer woodland burial to all people without
discrimination of any kind. Our woodland is consecrated and falls under the
jurisdiction of the Diocese of St Albans, which provides the greatest
protection in English law. You can be assured that this will always remain a
special place, sacred to the memory of those who rest in peace. The Trust is
a charity, all of our Trustees are committed to providing everybody with the
opportunity of woodland burial, enabling an alternative to commercial
cemeteries and crematoria.
Our last Open Day was an astonishing success attracting hundreds of
visitors from across the region. Many people commented on how beautiful
the woodland was. We were pleased that lots of people took the
opportunity to reserve burial plots and even those who would prefer
cremation have asked for plots for the burial of ashes.
Thank you to everybody who came, please remember that the woodland is open
to visitors and we welcome people to come and visit. Remember we also
welcome dogs and there is over 60 acres of planted woodland and open
countryside to enjoy.
We have created a sacred space to allow burial in a way
which cares and for the environment and creates a beautiful nature reserve
We are one of only two
consecrated consecrated woodland burial grounds in the country. At one time
all churchyards in England were consecrated; this gave them the greatest
protection available and ensured that they were not built
upon, or subsequently used for another unsuitable purpose. Increasingly this
protection is being taken away on council and privately owned cemeteries.
Instead leases are sold on grave space for a limited amount of time, usually
between 30 and 70 years.
Consecration does not make the soil more holy, but it does set our woodland
aside as a special sacred space for ever. You can be assured that this
woodland burial site will always remain as a natural woodland setting. It
cannot be sold for another purpose and it will not fall into disrepair.
Since the ground is consecrated by the Church of England as a sacred space,
people who are buried here can lie in this land for ever, until nature runs
its natural course. Consecrated woodland burial ensures that our loved ones
really do ‘Rest in Peace.’
We
respect people of all different cultures, and beliefs and the woodland is
open to people of all faiths, and no religious faith at all. We simply ask
that any graveside ceremony be dignified and respectful.
Read a copy of our latest Friends Newsletter
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To receive more information please
contact
The Administrator Mrs Linda Parry,
St Albans Woodland
Burial Trust
St. Mark’s Church Community Centre,
Calder Rise, Bedford. MK41 7UY.
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Woodland Burial by Pam Ayres
Don't lay me in some gloomy churchyard shaded by a wall
Where the dust of ancient bones has spread a dryness over all,
Lay me in some leafy loam where, sheltered from the cold
Little seeds investigate and tender leaves unfold.
There kindly and affectionately plant a native tree
To grow resplendent before God and hold some part of me.
The roots will not disturb me as they wend their peaceful way
To build the fine and bountiful from closure and decay.
To seek their small requirements so that when their work is done
I'll be tall and standing strongly in the beauty of the sun.
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- This horse drawn hearse is supplied by
www.carriagehire.co.uk,
- Temple Farm, Keysoe, Beds. MK44 2HL 01234 708108
- Mob 07852 336055 Contact
liz@carriagehire.co.uk
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What is woodland burial ?
Woodland burial is an opportunity to be buried in a natural woodland
setting, a nature reserve among trees, birds and other forms of wildlife. It
is the only way to be buried without harming the environment and it is a
natural way to leave something positive behind when we die.
Experience shows that a woodland burial ground soon becomes a
treasured part of a community, there is great appreciation for something
which is beneficial for everybody concerned.
It is our hope that the success of the St Albans Woodland Burial Trust at
Keysoe will help 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 already expressed interest and our sincere hope is that we
can eventually have many more beautiful woodland burial sites.
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The 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 and there is widespread appreciation for
what is being achieved.
Somebody remarked ‘I don’t know
what all the fuss is about, when I go just stick me in a wheelie bin.’ Of
course you cannot dispose of bodies in wheelie
bins. Each of us must make a choice, or have the choice made for us, of what
will happen to our bodies when we die - and wheelie bins are just not
allowed.
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 or 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.
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It was Princess Diana who brought the idea of woodland burial into
the minds of many people, and support has been growing steadily since. The
Diocese of Ely consecrated a woodland burial site in Cambridgeshire in 2002.
In the same year the synod of The Diocese of St Albans enthusiastically
encouraged the setting up of a woodland burial site. Approval has now been
granted for the creation of such a woodland burial site in Keysoe.
This
burial site is consecrated by the Church of England and the proposals
have received support from across the Christian churches. Consecration is
very important to us because it sets a place apart as sacred space. It also
means that the site will have the greatest protection afforded in British
law. The woodland burial ground at Keysoe will be the only consecrated
burial ground available to the general public in Bedfordshire.
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"
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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.
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This last year has been an exciting one as we develop
and grow the woodland. This year we experienced some really
wet days and as a result we decided to take forward plans
for a new roadway leading right into the glade. This has
many advantages which are appreciated for funeral and
visitors alike. Funeral Directors will be able to bring
vehicles close to the graveside, alleviating the need to
carry for more than a few metres. It is also of considerable
advantage for people with disabilities to bring vehicles
much nearer to the glade itself. The Trustees considered
many different alternatives for construction of the road
itself, including various new developments allowing grass to
grow through a block construction. After several months of
consideration through a variety of different weather
conditions, we eventually decided upon a robust constructed
road with solid foundations. A recycled brick base with a
compounded hogin surface has been finished with a gravel
layer to bring a result which we believe will be entirely
suitable in all weather, whilst also being extremely
pleasing to the eye. The finished surface will be seeded
with grass and wild flowers, and allowed to take upon itself
a natural appearance. Whilst this has involved a
considerable investment, we believe that the finished
roadway will bring considerable advantages for many years to
come. We are grateful to Mr Bill Elliott for his outstanding
workmanship and attention to detail in constructing the
roadway.
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If you would like to be sent additional information please complete the
form below, send an email to office@woodlandburialtrust.com
or telephone our office on 01234 342613
Looking for a reception after a funeral at
the Woodland Burial Trust?
We are pleased to
recommend The College Equestrian Centre who will be pleased to provide
for receptions after funerals. Located adjacent to the woodland
Burial Ground, it is the ideal location and can provide a wide range of
refreshments.
Their charges start at as little as £3 per head and they are willing to
cater for your needs with a licensed bar and excellent facilities. You
can visit at any time and even watch the horses and riders. For further
information please contact
Patsy Bates
- The College Equestrian Centre.
- Church Road, Keysoe, Bedford.
MK44 2JP
- Tel: 01234 708400/1 Fax 01234 708973
- Email info@keysoe.com
- www.keysoe.com
On Monday 14 August 2006 St Mark's Church received planning permission for
a woodland burial ground at Keysoe in Bedfordshire. Consecration took place on 7 June at 2.00pm by the Bishop of Bedford,
The Right Reverend Richard Inwood.
Pictures were taken by Mr John Day of the consecration service.
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The commencement of the Consecration service
Clergy assemble with Trustees, members of the pubic and friends. |
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Consecration officials
The service was led by the Reverend Charles Royden with consecration by The Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford. The Reverend Martin Hounsefield represented the Methodist Church. Mr Lee Coley, Solicitor for the Diocese of St Albans was responsible for the legal proceedings. |
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The bounds
Consecration involves the physical walking of all the area to be consecrated |
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Circular tour
The 2 acre circle was walked by many of those attending |
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Attire
For this consecration service the Bishop removed his mitre and wore more substantial footwear. |
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Clergy Present
The Reverend Dr Sam Cappleman and the Reverend Dr Joan Crossley assisted in the service from St Mark's and Putnoe Heights Church. |
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A welcomed guest
Towards the middle of the picture wearing a light brown coat, you can make out The Venerable Malcolm Lesiter. As Archdeacon of St Albans Diocese he had worked as part of the original team desginated by the Diocesan Synod, to establish a woodland burial ground. |
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Nearly finished
After the consecration the assembled congregation withdrew to the College Equestrain Centre for refreshments. |
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Click on the images below for bigger pictures
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