YeaImpton Woodland Burial Associ

Yealmpton Woodland Burial Association

YeaImpton Woodland Burial Association was established for people who have a care for the environment. Anyone can be buried at our burial ground irrespective of their personal views or beliefs. The old field name for our burial ground is Lower Heddon. Set high on a hill, with views of Dartmoor and overlooking the estuary of the River Yealm, Lower Heddon has been part of an arable farm since Saxon times. In 2003 the ground was ploughed and harrowed before planting with gross and wild flower seed. Later that year we planted an acre of small trees, which provide the beginnings of our new woodland.

Lower Heddon is not a traditional graveyard and we do not permit headstones. Instead, a small, engraved memorial stone may be placed on a grove or where ashes are buried. We also encourage the planting of a native tree or shrub from a list of indigenous species, so that each burial can contribute towards the creation of the new woodland. When all the trees have been planted the burial ground will be managed as woodland for ever.

Great care has been taken to preserve the natural environment so that the beauty of the meadow and developing woodland can be appreciated by all. For this reason we ask that coffins be mode from materials that have been recycled or are from a renewable source, such as soft wood, willow or bamboo. These materials return to the soil as nature intended and do not impede the growth of seedlings or saplings that will be planted in memory of those who are buried here.

We do ask that no embalming fluids or plastic of any kind be brought on site. We have a flexible approach to funerals and members may use the services of a funeral director, minister of religion, independent celebrant, or make their own arrangements in consultation with us. You can choose to have an individual grave blessed. A leather-bound register will record each burial with full details.

If you support our aims, you may join the Association, and gain the right to be buried at Lower Heddon. We also offer burial of ashes following cremation, scattering of ashes, and purchase of a memorial tree. We are a 'not for profit' community association and deliberately keep our running costs low, so that the cost of burial at Lower Heddon remains well below the cost of more traditional graveyards. In fact the cost of burial here is similar to the cost of cremation, but burial has a much lower impact on the environment. Most people who decide to become a member of the Association have contacted us directly, but some have heard of us through a funeral director, when arranging a prepaid funeral plan. If you are interested in becoming a member, please call us to arrange a visit to Lower Heddon.