Work to create a woodland burial site in Gunton will take place next month - and volunteers are being sought to help make it happen.

Eastern Daily Press: The church field in Gunton, which is to become a new woodland burial site.The church field in Gunton, which is to become a new woodland burial site. (Image: Archant)

The team behind the new Gunton Woodland Burial Park is appealing for people to help plant more than 1,600 native trees on December 6 during phase one of the project.

Once completed, the 33-acre site will provide five wildflower glades for up to 390 burials of any religious affiliation and a pleasant green space to scatter an unlimited number of cremated remains.

It is intended that the burial park will mature into an attractive area of broad-leaved native trees with wild flower glades linked by footpaths which will be open to the public, including dog walkers.

It will complete the green arc around north Lowestoft from the Denes through Corton Wood, Gunton Wood and Foxburrow Wood, enabling it to function as an important wildlife corridor.

The project is being led by members of the parochial church council at Gunton St Peter's Church and Gunton Woodland Community Project, under the collective banner of Gunton Woodland Burial Trust.

Barry Shimmield, a member of the trust, said: 'It is both a challenge and a privilege to have the chance to participate in the creation of a new woodland and it is hoped that many people will take the opportunity to join in.'

The new woodland burial site is being created on a field adjacent to Gunton St Peter's Church as a solution to the growing demand for graves and dwindling space at traditional cemeteries.

The churchyard at Gunton St Peter's is now full and has been closed for burials.

In total, 4,000 trees and shrubs will be planted on the site, which is currently being used for agriculture. There will also be an access road and space for parking cars.

A second event will take place on February 14, when a further 2,020 trees and shrubs will be planted.

There will also be special planting sessions for children next year.

The first tree planting session will take place on the church field at the end of Gunton Church Lane from 9am to noon. Volunteers should arrive at 8.30am with a spade, strong shoes and lump hammer if they have one. People are also needed to carry the trees and the tubes to the planting teams. Contact Barry on 01502 562527 or David on 01502 515944 in the case of bad weather.