Mixed response to plans for woodland burial site

Mixed response to plans for woodland burial site

1 February 2017

THERE was mixed reaction to plans to create Northern Ireland’s first woodland burial site outside Downpatrick during the first public meeting about the scheme.

A meeting was held in Saul on Saturday where members of the co-operative organisation Down to Earth NI outlined plans for the community-led green graveyard at Lough Money.

Down to Earth NI has already raised funding to create the burial ground where graves would be marked with native woodland and wildflowers and would be located using satellite technology.

Members hope to lodge plans for the scheme with the Planning Service this year after pinpointing the potentially suitable 10-acre site.

However, there was some opposition to the plans at Saturday’s meeting with some residents expressing concern about the impact the development may have on infrastructure and the environment.

Aurla McLaughlin, who attended the meeting, said there needed to be better clarity about how the burial ground would affect roads, the landscape and the wider community.

She said there was particular concern about plans to create a car park in the rural location and also about the fact that it would take decades for oak trees to grow.

She said some believed it would be more appropriate to create a woodland burial site adjacent to Struell Cemetery in Downpatrick where appropriate infrastructure is already in place.

“Why Saul?,” she asked. “People are skeptical and full answers have not been given. This is a facility for people outside our district.

“I am an objective by-stander and I just want the community to make an informed decision.”

Local man Sean Moore said he too was concerned about the scheme and its potential impact on local roads.

He said he did not believe alternatives had been fully explored and felt the organisation was trying to make the concept fit the Lough Money site because of the difficulties of securing an alternative location.

“The roads are not up to standard. I attended the meeting with an open mind, but they have not convinced me,” he said.

“While I think a green graveyard is a good idea for people who choose that for their burial, I do not believe this is the right location.”

Down to Earth director Gill McNeill said research showed that many people want to be laid to rest by being part of new native woodland. 

“This project means that thousands of new native trees will be planted. It is important that there will be no toxic chemicals and that only biodegradable coffins will be allowed in the site,” she said.

“The aim is to create woodland with memory and permanence locked into the native forest ecosystem. 

“Down to Earth NI is not only interested in planting trees but are determined that it will be a long-term contribution to the dignity of the funeral service and a responsibility to nature.”

Fellow director, Catherine McWilliams said they hoped to lodge the planning application in the near future. 

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

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

“Benefits for the community and the environment are numerous, but a gentle approach is planned, which will be unhurried and restful and will contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.” 

A spokesman for Down to Earth confirmed that another public meeting will be held in Downpatrick on Saturday, February 25, at 12.30pm.