Register to get 3 free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Kinghorn Community Land Association has announced it will be opening Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery, Fife’s first natural burial ground, later this November.
The natural burial ground, which will be among the first of its kind in Scotland, will be managed as a social enterprise by the volunteer-led organisation. News comes after the KCLA acquired 12 acres of land through community right-to-buy legislation.
Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery aims to provide burials that have minimal environmental impact for individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, and for full burials and ash interments.
Income generated by the cemetery will be reinvested into the local community, according to the community body.
The land was previously used as a leather tannery and has been managed since 2015 to encourage biodiversity. A bioblitz conducted in 2025 identified a 15% increase in species at the site compared with 2018.
The KCLA’s project is supported by Fife Council, which manages grave digging and record keeping for the cemetery.
Rob Tesh, chair of the KCLA, said: “The opening of this cemetery is fantastically exciting. It’s been achieved by a dedicated group of volunteers within Kinghorn backed by the wider community. It’s a real demonstration of local ownership of assets being made to work for the benefit of the whole community.
“A shortage of burial space together with growing demand for more environmentally friendly burial practices has led to a pressing need for a resource like this. Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery is a peaceful place for people to remember loved ones as well as a site to enable nature to thrive.”
Liz Murphy, bereavement services manager at Fife Council, added: “Fife Council undertook widespread engagement across Fife on its recently published bereavement strategy. This demonstrated widespread demand for a resource like this.
“We’ve really encouraged Kinghorn to go for it so it’s great to see the project become a reality. They have drawn on skills and expertise from within their community to make this happen, as well as close partnerships with other organisations. We welcome the inclusive nature of the cemetery which will be available to people of all faiths and no faith.”
