Woodland cemetery will be province first

Woodland cemetery will be province first

28 January 2015

A SITE between Downpatrick and Strangford has been earmarked for the development of Northern Ireland’s first ‘green’ graveyard.

The co-operative organisation behind the proposed woodland burial scheme has this week begun to sell shares to fund its creation.

Down to Earth (NI) has confirmed it is interested in developing the environmentally friendly burial ground, in which individual plots will be marked by a simple native tree, on a seven acre site outside Downpatrick.

It hopes to raise £40,000 from the sale of shares, which start at £800, to fund planning, site preparation and initial running costs.

The local service would include willow coffin production, locally grown flowers and counselling services.

Although woodland burial is a new concept in Northern Ireland, there are 250 sites across the rest of the UK and one in Ireland. Demand is fuelled by limited traditional burial plots.

Anglican Minister Reverend Peter Owen-Jones, who became a household face for his presentation of the popular BBC series Around the World in 80 Faiths, attended the launch of the share scheme where he explained his interest in the project. He is involved in a similar scheme in England.

“There has been a huge shift in ideas regarding end of life ceremonies over the past 20 years,” he said.

“In the rest of the UK the demand for this type of burial is increasing year on year.

“There is no better legacy than being laid to rest in a woodland created for the purpose. The whole concept is positive for the environment and future generations.”

Down to Earth NI’s chairman Mr. James Orr, from Seaforde, said the co-operative was not only interested in planting trees in a field but was also determined to make a long -term contribution to the dignity of the funeral service and a responsibility to nature.

“We are inviting people to join us as investing members,” he said.

“During 2014, over 200 people expressed interest or pledged their investment.

“We want to raise our start-up finance only from members and supporters in line with the ethos of the society

“Down to Earth NI will be owned by the community for the community and importantly, is for all faiths and those with no faith. Everyone is welcome.”

Plans for a separate woodland pet and animal burial site are also in the Society’s future projections.

For further information on Down to Earth NI or to invest in shares please visit downtoearthni.com