Westerleigh opens natural burial ground at West Lancashire Crem

Westerleigh Group has opened a natural burial ground at West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium as part of plans to widen the choice of sustainable funeral options for local families.

The area will be managed to remain close to its natural state, with the aim of encouraging wildlife and protecting the surrounding landscape. Burials will use biodegradable coffins or shrouds made from materials such as sustainably sourced wood, wicker or bamboo.

Graves in the new area will be marked with slate plaques on wooden stakes rather than granite headstones, a measure intended to preserve the natural setting and avoid disruption to local wildlife.

Laura Linnane, manager of West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium, said: “Being laid to rest in a beautiful, tranquil environment can provide an invaluable, comforting emotional benefit to the bereaved. Because natural burials involve fewer resources, they contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

“Westerleigh Group already operates some of the most environmentally friendly crematoria in the country and the introduction of a natural burial ground is another way in which we are working to be ‘greener’ and ‘cleaner’ and also offer more choice to the families we support.”

She added: “More and more families are choosing natural burials as a thoughtful way to honour life while caring for the planet.”