A LOCAL parish council may soon be establishing a non-profit woodland burial enterprise.

In response to enquiries from several parishioners, Bere Ferrers Parish Council is considering setting up a woodland burial site in the parish — and has set up a steering committee to consider options and gauge potential demand.

A woodland burial is one which promotes nature by planting lots of native trees and shrubs between the graves and around the site; only using biodegradable coffins or shrouds; avoiding ornaments which consume natural resources, such as headstones; and avoiding chemicals, such as embalming fluids, and artificial flowers.

But for the enterprise to succeed, the council is appealing for land and subscribers.

There are two essential requirements: acquisition of a small plot of land — two to five acres — with reasonable vehicle access and a sufficient number of subscribers. Then, once enough subscribers have come forward, the site will be opened to Bere Ferrers residents and non-residents.

Chair of the woodlands burials sub-committee for the parish council Sarah Hanson said: ‘The enterprise will be non-profit making and run as a co-operative trust.

‘Once start-up costs have been recovered, it is the intention of the steering committee that the site will be passed to the parish council for permanent use, not just as a burial ground, but also as a countryside leisure amenity for parishioners and other visitors.

‘We would also like to encourage local cottage industries to help augment the site if this looks financially viable.’

For more information visit the website www.bereferrerswoodlandburials.org.uk for further details.