FAMILIES will now be able give their loved ones an alternative send-off as a woodland burial ground opened in Alva.

Forming the Wee County’s first woodland burial ground, a site south-west of Alva Woodland Park has been chosen to contain 600 lairs.

These lairs will be marked by a single tree, with no traditional headstone or mark, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to a regular burial.

The opening of the burial ground took place on Thursday, August 29, with provost Donald Balsillie leading a short ceremony to mark the occasion.

In his opening speech, he said: “The woodland burial ground has taken many years to come to fruition.

“This is a landmark moment as the council can now offer a service choice that has many environmental benefits and offers people of all faiths, religions and indeed none, an alternative choice to traditional burial and cremation.

“The aim long term is to create an attractive vibrant native woodland with no trace of gravestones or memorabilia.

“This is a new venture for the council and we will monitor the rules to ensure we offer flexibility and choice but the overriding long term aim is to create a native oak woodland for future generations to admire and enjoy while respecting those who have chosen this area as their resting place.”

The layout of the site will consist of a circle/hexagon of six lairs around a native tree – generally an oak tree to symbolise life – and has the capacity to house 600 lairs.

Woodland burials are popular among people with a love for the outdoors, wishing to remain eco-conscious in death and contribute to the recreation of a native woodland.

The opening of Alva Woodland Burial Ground means that Clackmannanshire joins four other Scottish local authorities in providing this type of resting place.

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Councillor Fiona Law, spokesperson for the environment and net zero, played a role in opening the ceremony.

She added: “This new burial ground means we can offer an alternative service to local people who don’t want a traditional burial or cremation.”

The opening ceremony was originally planned for the unveiling of the 200 Lair Dollar cemetery, which was initially set for April 10, 2020.

However, the Covid-19 lockdown meant that this had to be downsized, with the council moving the ceremony to August 2024 to mark the opening of Alva Woodland Burial Ground.

The ceremony was attended by the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band, who performed renditions of Highland Cathedral and Flowers of the Forest.

This forms part of the council's work in providing and improving options for those who have passed, alongside half a million pounds allocated to the planned extension to Alva Cemetery.