6:12PM, Sat Sep 8, 2012

Woodland Burials Could Branch Out Across North East

By Joe Daunt Location: Durham

VIDEO: The appeal of a woodland burial

A surge in demand for woodland burials means sites could be established on Tyneside for the first time.

The Woodland Burial Trust is in talks with local councils over land in Newburn and South Tyneside.

Also known as a natural burial, it uses an unmarked area of land, usually without a headstone or plaque on the grave.

Durham University found people usually choose woodland burials because of environmental concerns, or to save on the cost of traditional funerals.

Helen Rutland from the Woodland Burial Trust said: "My choice is to be lowered onto a bed of rose petals, dressed in a jute shroud, inside a jute coffin, by my immediate family in a beautiful, peaceful woodland.

"Then they can leave to celebrate my life elsewhere with photos, music and good memories while I provide nourishment to help sustain the environment."

The first woodland burial site in the North East is due to open soon at the South Road Crematorium in Durham.

More than 260 natural burial sites now operate across the country since the first one opened in Carlisle almost 20 years ago.