A PLOT for a woodland burial ground in Craven is being sought on behalf of those wanting a "natural" burial.

The ethos behind the alternative form of interring the dead is that life is created from death, with the planting of a new trees above the graves. The graves can be marked with numbered stones but, at a woodland site in Carlisle, metal numbers are buried, only to be found with a metal detector.

In Skipton the idea has been embraced by the local Quakers, who advocate a simple way of life and don't believe in having expensive, elaborate funerals when they die.

In approaching Craven District Council with their idea, the Quakers have used Clitheroe Cemetery's woodland burial site as an example of an existing scheme.

There, people can be buried in biodegradable cardboard or chipboard coffins in a non-denominational area of the cemetery.

Quaker Richard Shewell, of Hall Croft, Skipton, intends to be buried at Carlisle Cemetery, which offers even simpler ceremonies, using a simple "burial shroud" instead of a coffin if desired.

Former teacher Richard, 76, said: "Quakerism is simplicity of life and the idea of being buried very simply is natural to them.

"I found out that there was nothing available like this in Skipton and took the idea to the council's Community Environment Forum, of which I am a member. The next step is to find an appropriate site and it doesn't have to be council owned land. Basically it's an ecologically-sound way of disposing of human remains.

"The burial takes place on a site destined to become broad-leaved woodland. As soon as the ground has settled, trees suited to the area are planted. My purpose is to raise awareness and, perhaps, gain support for the notion of the council providing a site so that Craveners can have the option of woodland burial."

The Woodland Burial site at Clitheroe Cemetery, set up in 1994, is marked with a sign that bears Shakespeare's words: "Passing through nature to eternity".

Richard said of the site: "It doesn't look like much now, but 20-years hence it will be a very nice piece of woodland and in 100 years it will have spread and spread. But when I go, I want to go to the Carlisle site because it is nearer my family.

"I am thinking about buying one of their cardboard coffins and bringing it down here. Family have a lot to think about when a loved one dies and I think it's everyone's responsibility to take care of things before they go."

Mr Shewell said he may even do away with the expense of a hearse, making do with his daughter's Volvo estate to take him to Carlisle.

The idea broached with the Environment Forum is set to go to committee for discussion in the next six months. John Shakespeare, Craven District Council's environmental co-ordinator, said: "We would look into how viable it would be and whether it would be on council land."

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