More to Death Edition3 2014 | Page 71

Several of our provisional natural burial grounds, ANBG members have gained planning permission to open sites this year. Here, Rosie asks some of them why they have been moved to get involved with death and nature in this way. In Doncaster, Eleanor Parker from the Meadow Cemetery, tells me that it was husband Jamie's idea! “He read about it somewhere and was inspired.” How did you find the land? “We already had it, I provide a home for retired race horses too.” That will work well, I tell her. My site in Kent has a paddock on one side; the plots near the horses are always chosen first. How are you getting on and how do you find dealing with the sadness you encounter? “Well, I enjoy it, I am here with the kids every day, it is a bright place, there is nothing to be sad about. It is my life's work now and I hope to be good at it. I want people to share in the excitement of our venture and to appreciate our vision. We have built a wildlife pond area and planted many trees; the site is transforming already.” What do your friends think? “I have some leaflets in my car window and some Mums on the school run were horrified, they couldn't believe it when I told them that, yes, of course I have to be there on the day when the coffin and family arrive. When I explain all about it, they start to see how beneficial and helpful it all is. Our family are fully behind the project - they have booked plots!” How nervous did you get before your first funeral? “Very! I had awful nightmares – arriving to find that the gravediggers had fashioned the grave into a pyramid was one; I was glad to get up that morning!” How was the planning process? “Painful, we had to go to appeal, the council knew so little about it and one consultee was irrational, almost hysterical.” Nearly three hundred miles away near Oakhampton, Devon, Christopher Voden from Beer Cross Woodland Burials tells me that his motives were more life changing and radical. “I wanted to do something different from my previous career as a lawyer and the diversification of my lovely field is what has motivated me.”