A WOODLAND burial park made of environmentally friendly materials is set to be built in South Bucks next year.

The 72-acre park will go up in Pitlands Wood, near Beaconsfield, after Chiltern District Council gave the thumbs-up last week.

It is set to be called Chiltern Woodland Burial Park and work will begin at the site early next year.

Developers, Colney Memorial Parks, which drew up with the plan alongside landowners the Forestry Commission, says everything in the park will be biodegradable as part of a "circle of life" theme.

This includes optional grave markings in the form of wooden plaques or carvings.

The plan needed the approval of two district councils since the site crosses into two boundaries. Nick Taylor, managing director of Colney, said the public would have open access to the park, which is offered as an alternative to cemeteries.

He said: "We're delighted that the planners have accepted our proposals and look forward to providing local families with an environmentally friendly alternative to existing options, while enhancing and opening up the woodland for the enjoyment of everyone."

The district council approved the plan under delegated powers but attached 18 conditions for developers to comply with.

South Bucks District Council previously approved the park, off Potkiln Lane, Jordans, in May.

Colney already runs a similar burial park in Norfolk and is set to open another one soon in Epping Forest. The park will be able to house internments and the scattering of ashes by late summer 2008.

A public consultation was carried out near Beaconsfield earlier this year.

Mr Taylor added: "It's not only the fact that many cemeteries are reaching a crisis point and have very little space left, but the fact that people want more choice."

l For more information visit www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk