Natural Burial Ground’s New Link With Neighbouring Council

Published on: 24 Mar, 2014
Updated on: 25 Mar, 2014

Clandon Wood Surrey Hills Natural Burial Reserve and Mole Valley District Council have reached an agreement to provide extra burial space for its residents. It is the first agreement of its kind in England.

A ‘natural’ burial at Clandon Wood Surrey Hills Natural Burial Reserve. Picture by Dani Maimone.

A BBC report last year established that almost half of the cemeteries in England could run out of burial space in as little as 20 years. Many local authorities are already running out of space or are close to capacity. Although the majority of people in the UK are cremated, there are a growing number who are opting for burial of cremated remains and full burials. In areas where space is limited or unavailable residents have to choose plots that could be many miles from home making it upsetting and difficult to visit the grave.

Simon Ferrar, manager and founder of Clandon Wood, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Mole Valley District Council. It makes perfect sense to work together with natural burial grounds that often have plenty of capacity well into the future and of course no maintenance costs for the council. There are also no additional charges for those who live outside the area. We are totally transparent about our charges and keeping costs down.”

Councillor James Friend, Mole Valley’s portfolio holder for the environment added: ”The pioneering agreement we’ve reached with Clandon Wood ensures that residents will be able to continue to access the services they need ahead of our cemeteries reaching capacity in around five years time. Our partnership working will help provide a sustainable solution in the long-term for burial provision in the district.”

A section of the site will be allocated to Mole Valley residents who have the option to choose elsewhere at Clandon Wood if they prefer.

The wetland at Clandon Wood. Picture by Dani Maimone.

Natural burial creates sustainable environments and bio-diverse ecosystems for wildlife. Clandon Wood, is 31 acres of wildflower meadow, a wetland area with a programmed tree planting of native trees such as oak, hornbeam, beach and willow. It has been created as a nature reserve for natural burial.