I first came across the concept of natural burial grounds when my father passed away several years ago. It seemed like an excellent resting place and is a decision the family remains happy with. We were at another today in Leicestershire where someone we met last summer was laid to rest (his wife is an active member of some of the bands I am in and brought him on the Belgian tour Jane and I went on).

Typically, an “NBG” is in a quiet rural location and the remains are marked not with blocks of masonry but with trees or shrubs. Over time, it creates a mixed woodland – the one my father is laid in has a limited range of native tree species available so it will be a very natural appearing area. In addition it is a good way to ensure that patches of green land remain – a developer won’t be able to put a housing estate on top for a very long time and would probably not care to put one nearby. After all, if they can’t even bring themselves to put the number 13 on front doors any more, they are probably going to baulk at trying to sell plots with very quiet neighbours!

I’m not too precious about what happens to my body after I die. My hope is to be raised again to eternal life where I’ll stand alongside those who have died and been martyred in all sorts of horrendously destructive ways. Therefore, I don’t think it matters too much what kind of earthly remnants are left behind. However, if for a few years anyone does want to visit the site, an NBG would be a pleasant location for them and the thought of safeguarding some space for nature for a century or two appeals as well so, if there is a choice, a plot like that and a suitable native tree on top of me will do the job well.