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Woodland Burial Section
Warblington Extension
Introduction
Woodland burial offers a natural form of burial which provides
important environmental benefits as well as giving a true sense of
creating life from death. This area is not for those who wish to
visit a neat and tidy grave and leave floral tributes or have a
traditional memorial stone. It is for people who wish to become
part of a natural growing process after their death.
The Funeral
The area will be non-denominational and no part of it will be
reserved for specific religious groups. It is your choice to have
either a religious service, a service personal to the deceased or
indeed no service at all.
Coffins
Bio-degradable coffins will be accepted for burial – wicker,
bamboo, wood (from sustainable resources), cardboard etc. Bodies
for burial in the woodland must not have been embalmed, except
where essential on public health grounds.
The Graves
The grave will be recorded on a plan and each grave will be
numbered. A microchip will be placed at the head of each grave for
future identification. Each grave will accommodate a single burial
only (there will also be the opportunity to use the plot for ashes
interments, if the exclusive right of burial is purchased).
Cremated Remains
Areas will be available for cremated remains only. These will be
poured into a prepared hole without a container and overplanted
with wild flowers or bulbs.
Memorials/Floral Tributes
NO MEMORIALS of any kind are permitted in the woodland. Funeral
flowers will be removed from the grave after approximately two
weeks. Floral tributes may not be placed on graves at any other
time. The Council reserves the right to remove any item placed on
or near a grave without prior notice or right of appeal.
Reservations
Owing to the woodland layout it will not be possible to reserve
a grave. We offer a 30 year Exclusive Right of Burial which can be
kept up to this level if relatives so desire. This will enable
future ashes interments.
Woodland Maintenance
Management of woodland requires a different approach to regular
grounds maintenance. The woodland will be disturbed as little as
possible as we wish to encourage wild flowers and nature to
flourish. (a summer meadow has been sown). The neat and tidy
appearance of a traditional cemetery does not apply.
Trees
As burials progress, the area of the “woodland“ burial will be
planted with a native mix of English woodland trees. Trees will be
supplied by the Council and appropriately spaced to form a woodland
canopy for the future. It is envisaged that the maturing woodland
and wild flowers will create a haven of peace and tranquillity for
future generations to enjoy.
Please give careful consideration to the restrictions on the
woodland section before deciding on this burial option. The rules
will be strictly adhered to.
Cemeteries Service, 2 Penner Road, Havant, Hampshire,PO9
1QH.
Telephone 023 9244 6425
E-mail: cemeteries@havant.gov.uk