By Daniel Barden
THE area’s first new-style woodland burial park is soon to be open in North Weald.
Planners gave the green light for the 52-acre Epping Forest Burial Park last year and now an open day is being held for people to get a first glimpse how the mature woodland cemetery will look.
The open day is at Gaynes Park Barns, on the edge of Roughtalleys Wood, from 10am to 5pm on Friday.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the plans, meet the team and take a tour of the wood to see how burials, interments and ash scatterings will take place.
Spokesman Fran Hall said: “Unlike other green burial sites, which are often nothing more than bare fields, our concept is to use existing mature woodland and provide families with the best possible experience.”
Epping Forest Burial Park will be run by Colney Memorial Parks on the same principle as its original headquarters in Norfolk.
Ms Hall said: “With space running out in traditional cemeteries, woodland burials not only provide extra space but can also offer families much more choice - from the location of the grave to the style of burial. One of the things families find particularly distressing is the feeling of being rushed and so we allow at least two hours between funerals.
“Our focus is on providing an environment which celebrates the cycle of life, a living place where life goes on, somewhere that families can come and remember their loved ones surrounded by nature.”
The new burial park is expected to open later this year when access roads are in place.
Once fully complete early next year the park will offer families a woodland hall for services, a reception centre and a woodland shelter.
Burials will be in circles around trees and discreetly marked by footpaths,. The park will be open 365 days a year.
For more details, ring Fran Hall on 07866 596234 or visit www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk.