Frequently Asked Questions

Are the trees planted over the graves?

No, they are not. At the Arbory Trust, people are buried in glades surrounded by trees rather than underneath them. Trees can become diseased or struck by lightning, serious problems can arise if trees have to be dug out, and tree roots can also interfere with graves.

Can the graves be marked?

The graves may be marked with wooden plaques only, which will biodegrade over a period of years. They may be no larger than an A3 piece of paper, and must not be mounted on a stake or post- they must be placed flush to the ground.

No other form of marker is permitted. Ultimately the graves will be mown over to form part of the natural woodland and glades. See our Burial Ground Rules page.

How will I know where the grave is once it is blended with the glade?

All grave locations are regularly surveyed and recorded by the Arbory Trust

Are single and double graves available?

Graves can be single or double depth, though double depth is not possible in certain glades.

How is the wood managed and what plans are there for the future?

We are not trying to create a park. Arbory Trust woods really will be woods. The woodland will be managed for the benefit of people, plants and animals, using sustainable and ecological principles. Sufficient funds will be set aside to ensure ongoing maintenance costs are covered once the burial ground is full.

Is there any maintenance of the graves?

Within a few weeks of a grave being filled, a mixture of grass and wildflower seed will be scattered. Further seed will be scattered as and when it is deemed appropriate and such growth should not be removed or otherwise deterred. The glades themselves will only be mown entirely once, in late September. Gardening of the graves is not permitted.

For more information, see our Ground Maintenance page.

Is the Barton Woodland Burial Ground open all year?

The Barton Woodland Burial Grounds open 365 days a year. Staff are on site every Wednesday and when funerals are on. The gates are never locked, but please close the gates as you leave, and encourage others to do the same. This helps to minimise access by deer!

What type of coffin can be used?

You may use any type of biodegradable coffin or casket, or a shroud. There are many options available. All funeral directors have plenty of information, and a simple internet search yields good results.

What about embalming?

We will accept embalmed bodies only in very exceptional circumstances (such as repatriation) given the toxic nature of the materials used in the process.

Is the lodge open for general visiting?

The lodge is open every Wednesday and you are most welcome to drop in from 10am to 2pm with any questions, and we'll be happy to help.

For more information, see The Lodge page.

**Can I put a bench at Barton? **

No more benches will be permitted in the current phase of development. We hope you will understand we cannot allow a bench near every grave.

Do I have to use a Funeral Director?

No. It is not required but you may find it helpful to use their services to assist with all matters that arise following a death.

All local Funeral Directors are very familiar with Barton Glebe, and should be happy to help you. We will readily assist Directors from other parts of the country with any arrangements you wish to make at Barton.

We can advise families on how to do everything themselves, so please ask if this is what you would like. Further advice is also available from the Natural Death Centre and the Good Funeral Guide websites.

Do I need a minister?

It is often a good idea, although it is not required, that you have someone to direct a funeral. Whether a member of the Clergy, a Humanist minister, a Civil Funeral celebrant or another person not directly involved with the family.

Bear in mind that emotions run high and it is often better to have someone other than a family member in charge of events.

We do ask that all funerals are conducted with dignity and respect.

Who prepares the grave?

For reasons of health and safety, only those approved by The Arbory Trust and who are appropriately qualified & insured may prepare graves at Barton Glebe. Depending on the size, location and accessibility of each grave location, graves will be prepared and subsequently filled with a mechanical digger or hand digging as required.

Are graves a standard size?

Each grave is prepared to meet the size of the casket or coffin. In exceptional circumstances there may be an additional charge for a grave space where dimensions exceed what is considered to be within a normal range.

Is it possible to have funerals at weekends?

We believe it is important for friends and families to be able to visit the woodlands at weekends and on public holidays without worrying about coming across a funeral taking place. Therefore we do not allow funerals at the weekends.

Can I walk my dog at Barton?

You are welcome to walk with your dogs, but they must be on leads and you must ensure they do not cause any damage. You must clear up after them, out of consideration for other users.

Can I drive my car further than the car park?

Now the main ride has a gravel surface, one car may take someone with limited mobility as far as the entrance to the glades and as far as the North Glebe. You MUST stay on the gravel. Driving into actual glades is not allowed.

What if it is wet or inclement on the day of the funeral?

Thought must always be given to the fact that Barton Glebe is woodland, and access to Glades is via grass rides and paths. Appropriate footwear should be worn, and this often means wellies or walking boots following periods of rain or snow; as the terrain can be muddy or soft. High heels are not advisable at any time.

How do I make a complaint?

In the first instance please do contact the Administrator, who will always be ready to resolve any problem you may have. Contact details can be found here.

If that is not possible, you can write to the Trustees of the Arbory Trust at:

The Barton Woodland Burial Ground, The Arbory Trust, The Lodge, Comberton Road, Barton, Cambridge CB23 7BA.

Alternatively,you may refer your complaint to the Association of Natural Burial Grounds.

How can I leave feedback?

As an established member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG), we are required to offer you the opportunity to leave feedback which can be completed online on their website.

The ANBG are also happy to hear from you directly with any comments you have.