Woodland and natural burial sites began about 20 years ago and now there are over 250 across the UK. Places of beauty and tranquillity, most are woodland, for example Rattery and Yealmpton, some are meadows, like Sharpham Meadow. Many have relatively young trees still and many have lovely views. Burials on private land are also permissible (see the helpsheet at the end of this page).
VW Hearse – Black Betty – Green Funeral
A green burial or green funeral is often part of a funeral where family and friends take more control of proceedings and the atmosphere is informal. Over a third of the funerals we undertake are green burials. The choices are likely to include a more ecological choice of coffin, such as willow or cardboard, or perhaps a locally made felt shroud,and less formal transport, for example a silver Ford Galaxy or Black and White VW. Only a flat plaque is allowed instead of a big headstone, and the body must not be embalmed.
Click here for more information about green funerals.
We have been organising and pioneering Green Funerals for many years and are founder members of the Association of Green Funeral Directors, and recommended by the Natural Death Centre.
Family bearers at Yealmpton Woodland Burial
Sharpham Meadow burial ground
Woodland burial sites in Devon
There are 12 in Devon and vary in price from £500 to £1400 for a single plot burial.
Also see map below.
South Hams
- Sharpham Meadow [near Totnes]
- Bidwell Woodland Burial [at Rattery near Totnes]
- Yealmpton Woodland Burial [at Yealmpton, near Plymouth]
- Conquerors Wood [at Cockington near Torquay]
- Dartmouth Natural Burial at Longcross Cemetery [Dartmouth]
- South Hams Woodland Burial at Lower Cross Park near Aveton Gifford
Mid Devon
- Great Bradley Cottage [at Templeton near Tiverton] NOW FULL
- Crossways [at Cheriton Bishop]
- Exwick Natural Burial [at Exwick Cemetery, Exeter]
- Beer Cross Woodland Burial [near Sampford Courtenay]
East Devon
- Seaton Natural Burial at Seaton Cemetery [Seaton]
North Devon
- Mole Valley Woodland Burial [at Queen’s Nympton, near South Molton]
For further information:
You are also allowed to make a burial on private land. See the helpsheet below.
