This time of year is a traditional one for visiting the ‘grounds’, i.e. going to visit the cemetery where one’s family members are buried. Timely then that this report is of a visit to one of the local burial grounds, this time the Greenacres Woodland Burial Site, Watton Road, Colney, NR4 7TY.
Sarah and Miriam visited the site in June. We had made an appointment with Rachel Hogg, who showed us round.
Buildings and burial grounds
Rachel told us that the buildings at the site are built using natural materials from sustainable sources. Aside from the offices there is a Gathering Hall, with toilets and kitchen facilities. It is a small and attractive venue where people can meet before and after the funeral. It is ideal for a post-funeral get together, which can be catered for or by the family.
Across a small courtyard is the airy Woodland Hall, where services are held; fully accessible it can seat over a hundred people, its most stunning feature is the view into the woodland site beyond.
The site itself is extensive and beautifully landscaped, with wildflowers growing in season.
Practical information
The site is ideal for those wanting an alternative to the traditional.
- There is choice and flexibility, for example one can have:
- Service and burial
- In the case of cremation (carried out elsewhere) service and burial or scattering of ashes
- service here and burial (or ashes scattered) elsewhere.
- It could recommend itself to members of our community on several counts
- it is non-denominational and accessible to all.
- It might be an ideal choice for mixed-faith couples.
- The service can be secular or religious.
If any of this is of interest take a look at the website and/or make a visit to see for yourself. If you’d like to meet a member of the staff call Rachel Hogg whose role is in Marketing and Community Liaison for an appointment and tour.
Contact details and website
Telephone: 01603 811556
Website: https://www.greenacreswoodlandburials.co.uk/
If you have any queries on the above or generally on related issues speak to one of us and we will try to help. Don’t forget also that there is a section on the NLJC website at
http://www.norwichljc.org.uk/resources/burial-information/
Miriam Barnett and Sarah Boosey