Allotments doubling as burial grounds for sale

People could soon be growing cabbages and cauliflowers above the remains of their loved ones as part of an innovative new green burial scheme.

The eco-friendly initiative, being pioneered by farmer Richard Sibley, would see people purchase a green burial at his Village Farm in Cleeve, near Weston-super-Mare.

Once the person is buried, the land would continue to be farmed, with vegetables grown and farm animals allowed to graze on the land above the remains.

Last month the Bristol Evening Post reported that people hoping to grow their own fruit and veg on city allotments were facing waiting lists of up to eight years for a plot.

There are almost 900 people waiting in line for an allotment with the demand is put down to an increased interest in organic food and families looking to cut food bills in the recession.

People signing up to Mr Sibley's scheme would pay for the burial over a set period of time and if they chose, could also become part of a team of people already using the site to grow their own vegetables.

This would mean they could use the land to cultivate their own crops before they die and are buried there.

Their families could also sign up as growers, meaning they could use the land to produce their own crops after the death of their loved one.

Mr Sibley, who bought the land 15 years ago, has spent the last five years developing his Village Farm initiative.

He set up the grow your own business when the recession started to

bite a year ago and now offers people – called customer- growers – his land to cultivate their own vegetables and keep animals such as chickens and goats.

Those who join the group pay an £13 each month by standing order which is offset against the cost of buying meat produced by Mr Sibley at the farm.

In return they can take any vegetables and fruits they cultivate home free to the dinner table.

The latest idea being pioneered by Mr Sibley could eventually see up to 500 people buried on the seven-acre farm.

He is now planning to hold talks with a leading green burial company to develop the scheme further.

The land would have to be checked for its suitability for burials by the Environment Agency and local council before any scheme could go ahead.

If it gets the green light, people could be buried in shrouds or wicker coffins or have their cremated remains interred at the farm.

Mr Sibley, aged 63, said: "The green burial scheme is about the circle of life and turning the issue of bereavement, normally associated with being a miserable time, into something purposeful and joyous.

"This green burial scheme gives people the opportunity to use the land and benefit from it during their lifetime.

"Potentially a family could be growing their own vegetables above where their loved one is laid to rest.

"I came up with the idea because land used for burials is redundant after the person is lowered into the ground.

"This way, the land can continue to be productive and give something back."

People would be able to hold a service at the farm and there are plans to erect a commemorative totem pole on the site featuring the names of the people buried there.

There are also plans to provide a meeting place on the farm where people can meet and reflect and celebrate their loved ones life.

Money raised through the sale of the green burials would go towards expanding the initiative and buying other pieces of land across the region.

Mr Sibley, who dreamed of setting up a sustainable farm after watching The Good Life as a child, added: "I know this sort of scheme may not appeal to everyone as some people feel they want to be buried in a churchyard or cemetery.

"Many years ago, before there were churches and cemeteries, people were buried on farmland across the country, and this is no different and it could be argued we are returning to ancient traditions.

"This initiative will appeal to more open minded, eco-conscious people who want to see the world change for the better."

Shan Biggs, chairwoman of the Bristol East Allotment Association, said: "It's a novel idea. I'm all for green burials, but it wouldn't have crossed my mind to grow vegetables on top of a grave.

"I'm sure there is plenty of land around that can be used for allotments if it was looked into."

Anyone who would like more information about Village Farm can contact Mr Sibley on 01934 838709.