The Westcombe Hill Ground
The Westcombe Hill ground once formed part of the hilltop smallholding managed for around forty years by Arthur and Olive Fevin. Arthur and Olive had always adopted a “green” approach to life and in 1998 donated around twelve acres of land, already rich in native species, to the Butler Memorial Trust. The site consists of a small field reserved for burials and two larger ones currently maintained as pasture. The field margins are managed with a view to enhancing the habitat for native plants. There are two areas of established copse and the trustees have overseen the planting of a new copse and the renovation of a small pond. Some remedial work has been carried out on the hedges around the burial field both to encourage a good structure and to open up the view to the north where Glastonbury Tor can be seen on a clear day.
Future plans include further tree planting, placing of memorial benches and the creation of pathways to encourage visitors to enjoy the site.
Some Interesting History
Visitors often feel that there is a special atmosphere at the Westcombe ground. The area is steeped in history and, although not evident on the ground, a geophysical survey undertaken in 1993 showed the ramparts, ditches and round houses of an Iron-Age hill fort. In the neighbouring field a Roman burial was excavated in 1945 and contained a skeleton, grave goods and pottery, much of which is now in the County museum.
More recently, in 1942, Hurricane BE-566 flown by Robin McNair crashed on the site. The pilot bailed out and landed in Paradise — a few miles down the road! He went on to have an illustrious career becoming squadron leader. Pieces of wreckage were recovered in the late 1990s by enthusiast Tim Hake who was able to contact the pilot”s son and bring him to visit the site of his father”s brush with fate.
Above A rural habitat | Below Time to reflect
What is a “green” burial?
“Green” burial provides an alternative to conventional burial that is more in harmony with nature and with landscape. “Green” burial does not release carbon dioxide and pollutants into the atmosphere as cremation does, nor does it involve bulky headstones, embalming fluids and hardwood coffins which can cause damage to the environment. “Green” burial sites do not have concrete paths and close mown grass on “sterile” land locked up in perpetuity, but by using easily biodegradable coffins or shrouds tha natural environment is protected.
A “green” burial site, when it has reached its capacity, can become a woodland, wildflower meadow, nature reserve or picnic site. “Green” burial is not just a return to the soil — it is a return to nature.
The long term plan for the Westcombe site is to create a nature reserve within the living, working rural environment. This will be available not just to the present generation, but to those of the future as well.
The site consists of a small field reserved for burials and two larger ones currently maintained as pasture. The field margins are managed with a view to enhancing the habitat for native plants. There are two areas of established copse and the trustees have overseen the planting of a new copse and the renovation of a small pond. Some remedial work has been carried out on the hedges around the burial field both to encourage a good structure and to open up the view to the north where Glastonbury Tor can be seen on a clear day. More tree planting is planned as time and funds permit.