The Arbory Trust's woodland burial site is situated just west of Cambridge between the villages of Barton and Comberton on the B1046 (see how to 'Find Us'). The site at Barton is the first of its kind, and will eventually cover some 38 acres. It takes its name from the fact that it was church Glebe land, belonging originally to the Diocese of Ely, and we felt it appropriate to continue to reflect the history of the land through its name. Over 9000 trees were planted in 2000, all of them of species indigenous to the local area, and they include oak, ash, lime, wild service, wild cherry, silver birch, holly and willow. They were planted in a scheme designed by our Forestry Commission advisor. Burials at Barton take place in glades surrounded by trees, the graves ultimately becoming part of that glade or meadow in time, with the surrounding trees creating a living memorial to those who lie there. This means that there are no headstones or statues, and nothing that will be left to fall into disrepair as time goes on. Trees are not planted with each grave, but it can be important for families mark graves, so simple wooden markers, which may bear a simple inscription, may therefore be placed flush to the ground. Ultimately, these will biodegrade and disappear. Whilst graves are not permanently marked, they are recorded by regular survey. The exact position of a grave becomes less important as time passes, and families are content simply to return to Barton to remember loved ones in the natural surroundings.

Instead of planting trees, people are encouraged to adopt existing trees, either close to graves or elsewhere. The money received is used in the maintenance of the grounds, which includes appropriate pruning, thinning or replacing of trees as needed. Surplus funds will be used for planitng new trees and woodlands in the furtherance of the Trust's aims Wild flowers may also be planted, but must be native to the woodland. There is a leaflet available for guidance. See 'Forms, Leaflets and Newsletters'. The glades are mown several times a year (although spring flowers and nesting birds often delay the first entire cut), and this should be borne in mind when placing markers (which must be flush to the ground) or planting. We are encouraged to see people thinking ahead, actively planning and making known their wishes for natural burial. Reservations can be made (either by a part or full payment - see fee page for details) at any time, and more and more are now making reservations for the future. A future reservation guarantees that there will be a grave space - it does not guarantee an exact spot, chosen at the time the reservation is made. The only exception to this is where adjacent spaces are reserved when a loved one is buried. Once one family member is buried, adjacent reserved spaces are guaranteed - we do not dig double depth graves. For all other future reservations, we encourage people to express a preference for a particular Glade, but leave the choosing of the exact spot until the time of burial. This is because the Glebe changes in appearance as burials occur and the grounds develop, and people do change their minds about location. It is also only possible to record existing graves and adjacent reservations by family members with real accuracy, and, on a practical level, we cannot guarantee to keep particular plots free for what may be many years. All burials at the Trust take place in biodegradable coffins, of which there are now a considerable number available. They range from willow and bamboo, to the more traditional-looking wooden coffins, and even eco-pods. We do stress that coffins should be entirely bio-degradable- without brass handles or plaques. All funeral directors have good knowledge of the options available (many now being commonly used), and a simple internet search will also yield a good return of information. See 'other links'

Telephone: 01223 303874 Charity Number: 1079635