Plans to create a natural burial ground in woodland in Fife have been formally submitted to the local authority.
Auchtermuchty man Donald Barker has applied for permission to change the use of a section of Ballinbreich private woodland near Newburgh to a natural woodland burial ground which could support up to 52 burials a year.
The site, which measures around 1.7 hectares, is around 2km east of Newburgh on land rising to the south of the coastal road, and already has access for vehicles and a car parking area.
A statement issued by Montgomery Forgan Associates, on behalf of Mr Barker, said the site is ideally placed for use as a natural burial ground given its location, character and the fact that off-road parking is already in place.
”A low level of activity is proposed with no more than one burial per week and a maximum of 52 burials per annum,” the solicitors explained. ”In addition, it is proposed to allow up to two ashes interments/scattering services per week.”
The statement said intervention at the site would be ”limited”, and a grave will be prepared the day before each burial.
The solicitors continued: ”Following interment, there will be an option of having a tree planted to mark the grave. Gravestones and other paraphernalia often seen within council cemeteries will not be permitted.
”The intention is to retain the very high quality natural environment.”
Natural woodland burial sites are said to be becoming more popular for a number of reasons, including availability of council plots, the cost of what is deemed to be a ”normal” burial, and people’s preferences shifting towards more natural locations.
Natural burials seek to minimise the impact on the environment, with coffins typically made of natural biodegradable materials such as wicker, bamboo, pine and cardboard.