Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery
Arranging burials: guidance for families and funeral directors
We work in partnership with Fife Council Bereavement Services to offer a green burial option in Fife.
This pages addresses the most frequently asked questions about burials at the Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery. If you have any further questions, please contact us or email info.kcla@gmail.com.
Can I visit before I decide?Â
Of course! You are very welcome to visit the Eco Cemetery, which is open to the public all day every day. Our eco cemetery page offers general information about visiting the site. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can I pre book or buy a plot before I require it? Â
Plots are only available when they are actually required (ie. after death) and cannot be pre-purchased or booked. This is to ensure that plots remain available to those that require one, and that no plot goes unused.
Can I choose the location of the plot?Â
Plots are offered on a “next one available” basis. It may depend on the season, ground conditions or accessibility as to which plot is available when. At the point a plot is required the next suitable plot at that time will be allocated.
What type of coffin can I have?
The only request we make is that coffins should be sustainably sourced and fully, naturally biodegradable (e.g. pine, willow, bamboo or cardboard), with natural materials for handles & liners rather than plastic or metal. Alternatively a shroud made of wool, linen etc. may be used. Hardwood coffins are not accepted. Your funeral provider will be able to help with this.
Do I have to use a Funeral Director?
There is no obligation to use a funeral director. Should you choose not to use funeral director services, the Natural Death Centre or Pushing Up The Daisies can provide information and advice on body care between death and the funeral.
We have an agreement in place with Fife Council, who undertake the grave digging and record the plot locations. These services must still be used if you wish to self manage the funeral.
For further information, or to arrange a self-managed burial, please email us at info.kcla@gmail.com.
Recommended biodegradable coffin and ash cask suppliers are:
Can relatives be buried beside each other?
If you would like to be buried beside your loved one in the future, a place can be reserved for you beside the grave site of the person being buried. This is the only situation where an advance booking can be made. Later, if this reservation was not made, but there is a free site beside the first person buried, their partner or relative can still be buried there. It is also possible to request a “double lair” which is dug to a greater depth, allowing a second coffin to be buried on top of the first at a later date.
Body care
Bodies which are embalmed using preservation chemicals cannot be buried on the site, as the chemicals used are not biodegradable and can pollute the ground.
Can families/friends assist with filling in the grave?
Yes, families and friends may assist with filling of the grave by prior arrangement with Fife Council Bereavement Services. This is at their own risk. Please note that KCLA and the Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery cannot be held liable for any accidents.
Can cremated remains be buried?
Yes, we offer smaller plots for ashes to be buried at the Eco Cemetery. All we ask is that ashes are held in a biodegradable container.
Can I scatter ashes on the cemetery?
Regretfully, we cannot allow ash scattering at the eco-cemetery, as this can be harmful to many of the plants on the site. Our goal for the Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery is a haven of biodiversity, where native plant life can thrive.
Can I use a grave marker?
Fife Council keeps records of grave locations.
Stone memorial plaques with engraved lettering can be laid flat in the ground as a grave marker. These can be purchased from us.
We do not use upright headstones as grave markers.
Will the graves be tended?
The cemetery is intended to be a haven for wildlife and the natural growth of native plants. Paths throughout the site will be maintained, and for a limited period after burial, grave markers will be kept clear of vegetation. Over time, it is expected that some vegetation will grow around grave markers, and they may become partly hidden.
Can I place flowers or other ornaments on the grave?
Cut flowers and wreaths may be buried in the grave at the time of burial; please remove all plastic wrapping or any other non-biodegradable material.
No flowers may be left on top of the grave as this can attract wildlife onto the site that could cause damage to other plants.
To preserve the environment and habitat of the Eco Cemetery, we regretfully cannot allow vases, ornaments, photos, or any other personal items to be left on or beside a grave. Flowers or other personal items should not be left on or beside a grave after the burial ceremony has concluded.
Can the Eco Cemetery be used by members of the public and dog walkers?
Yes; we ask that walkers keep to paths and keep dogs on leads, as this encourages wildflowers to become established, and helps protect nesting wildlife. In the days before a funeral, freshly dug graves awaiting a burial are secured against humans falling in, but may be dangerous for a dog off-lead. We ask dog walkers to be considerate of others when walking on the site, particularly when there are funeral services in progress, and please ensure that you clean up any mess.
Are there any restrictions on religion?
Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery welcomes people of all religions and also of no religion.
What does a burial cost?
The cost of a burial plot or “lair” depends on the type of burial required. Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery offers reduced rates for the burial of individuals whose home address was within the boundaries of Kinghorn Community Council. In addition to the cost of the lair, Fife Council Bereavement Services make an additional charge for the cost of digging and filling the grave. All of these charges are paid through your funeral director, if you use one.
There is no fee for burying children who were under 18 at the time of death.
Lair purchase
- Single burial plot: £1400
- Burial plot for two (double depth): £2150
- Burial plot for two (side by side): £2800
- Ash lair for up to three caskets: £402
Lair purchase – Kinghorn residents*
- Single burial plot: £1200
- Burial plot for two (double depth): £1950
- Burial plot for two (side by side): £2400
- Ash lair for up to three caskets: £345
*Click here for list of eligible Kinghorn postcodes
Digging and filling the grave
- These prices are set by Fife Council, who provide this service.
- Full burial of people aged 18+: £968
- Ash burial: £323
A 50% surcharge is payable for burials outwith normal hours.
Memorial stones and benches
- Memorial benches and stone grave markers are optional, but must be purchased through us.
- Scottish whinstone memorial plaque: £575
- Oak memorial bench: £3000
Click here to find out more about memorials