People could be offered the chance for themselves and future generations to be buried around 'family trees' in a Lincolnshire wood when they die.

Nigel Lowthrop, who founded Hill Holt Wood in Norton Disney as a social enterprise, has applied for planning permission to allow human woodland burials at the 40-acre Norton Big Wood.

The idea is to plant new trees around which people can be buried over seven or eight acres.

Burials could also be done inside a one to two-acre area of existing trees.

The cost of securing a perpetual burial site around a tree is yet to be decided but prices could range from £2,000 to £5,000 depending on the age and stature of the tree.

The project will create at least three jobs.

"We are aware that there is an increase in demand for natural burials," said Mr Lowthrop, who is the project manager.

"There have been eight similar burials at Hill Holt Wood and people are continuing to make inquiries.

"It would be great to open Norton Big Wood for use for eco-burials and we hope to begin doing so by the end of this year.

"We expect to hear a planning decision in late June."

Income generated by families reserving their trees would be placed in an endowment, managed by Lincolnshire Community Foundation, to provide green experiences for people with mental health issues.

Lottery cash has been obtained to fund the development of the eco-burials project.

David Dernley, head of funeral services at Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd, said the company promotes green burials.

"We have seen more interest in green burials over recent years as people become more aware of their impact on the environment," he said.

"We offer a range of eco-coffins including those made out of bamboo, cardboard, wicker and banana leaf."