And Now for Something Completely Different

It isn’t every day that a local council receives a planning application for a new burial ground, but that’s precisely the innovative step Gentle Endings Ltd is taking with their submission to Folkestone & Hythe District Council. Their plans – 25/1332/FH – outline the creation of the district’s first natural burial ground, situated opposite Sene Valley Golf Club on Blackhouse Hill, Hythe—offering a pioneering alternative to conventional burial and cremation.

The proposed site, covering around five acres of grazed grassland, is designed to be peaceful and environmentally conscious. The scheme reflects a strong commitment to minimal ecological disturbance and to enhancing biodiversity.

Thoughtful Planning and Design

The proposal includes carefully designed access arrangements to respect the rural setting. Entry via Blackhouse Hill leads to a discreet car park for 16 vehicles with overflow capacity. Non-permanent structures—a composting toilet and a simple timber shed—underpin the ecological ethos.

At the centre lies a circular wildflower meadow, encircled by woodland burial areas. In line with The Association of Natural Burial Grounds guidelines, all graves will be hand-dug to preserve the landscape’s integrity. Grave decorations will be limited to native plants and trees, maintaining the natural aesthetic.

Environmental and Ecological Assurance

Environmental assessments have confirmed no nearby water abstraction licences or protected zones, and the sandstone bedrock is suitable for low-impact burials. This aligns with best practices for sustainable site management.

Bringing Experience from Deerton and Riverview

Gentle Endings Ltd is guided by Sian Maplesden (pictured) of Kent Natural Burials, who brings more than a decade of experience. Kent Natural Burials first opened Deerton in 2007—an ecologically managed three-acre field between Sittingbourne and Faversham—and has since expanded to Riverview in Lower Halstow. Deerton, now sold out, and Riverview operate under the same ethos of gently stewarded green burials 

Riverview, opened in 2019, offers elevated views over the Swale estuary and the Thames, set within rooms of native hedgerows—Beech, Guelder rose, Holly, and Dog rose—with just two burials per week to ensure personal and unrushed service.  Sian’s track record with these two sites sets a strong precedent for her involvement in Hythe’s proposed third Kent location.

Promoting Biodiversity and Sustainability

Enhancing local biodiversity is integral to the proposal. Plans include habitat creation, planting native flora like Common Spotted Orchids and Meadow Buttercups, and installing bird, bat, and owl boxes. Security will rely on solar-powered lighting and discreet CCTV—minimizing environmental intrusion.

Natural burial methods offer significant benefits: no toxic embalming fluids, biodegradable materials, and reduced carbon emissions compared to cremation. On the emotional and spiritual level, they provide contemplative, nature‑immersed spaces for personalised farewells.

Community Involvement and Support

Local engagement is central. Planned consultations with Hythe Town Council and Sene Valley Golf Club have already yielded enthusiastic support. Both groups acknowledge the proposal’s potential to boost biodiversity and foster community involvement.

Should the planning application be approved, Hythe will gain a serene, eco-conscious burial space rooted in strong experience and ecological integrity—establishing a positive model for natural burial in Kent.

The Shepway Vox Team

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