Crossways Woodland Burials is located 10 miles west of Exeter, near the small village of Cheriton Bishop. The woodland burial site is in a secluded position, blending into the Devon countryside and Dartmoor National Park beyond.

The green burial site will always remain a wood, as far as it is possible to protect it under English Law. All the trees and shrubs planted on the site will be of local origin and chosen to reflect the makeup of a Devon wood.   

The woodland burial site is hidden from the road by tall Devon hedgerows.

Leaving the road through a gate you enter a gravel area for parking; this is also where our log cabin is situated, with views across the valley. This area is planted to give year-round colour and includes a wicker living hedge, which will form a living outdoor room.

A path cut through the meadow grass meanders through the grounds. On the left is the area set aside for the scattering of ashes, which is planted with many self-seeding wild flowers.  Also on the left and furthest boundary is an earth bank planted with hedgerow shrubs and flowers. The boundary to the right has large established trees and thick undergrowth of gorse and sloe.

 

The Woodland Burial Site through the Seasons

Spring

Bright yellow primroses in banks and hedgerows are some of the first signs of spring. The air is filled with the sweet scent of gorse and green hints of the leaves to come.

Summer

Wildlife is at its peak during the summer months; in 2007 we saw 16 different types of butterfly. Bees buzz in the meadow, taking advantage of the foxgloves and other wild flowers growing amongst the long lush grass.

Autumn

We cut the grass when it starts turning brown and has gone to seed. The leaves on the trees turn bright shades of orange, while swallows and house martins gather, readying themselves to fly south.

Winter

Big berries of all shapes and sizes are exposed in the hedgerows, providing perfect food for the birds. The landscape may not be at its most colourful, but there is a comforting feeling of what is to come again in the spring.