Natural memorials that are eco-friendly and down to earth
Do you have memorials?
Many people ask if we offer memorials, and the answer is yes. However, we do not place memorials on graves. This is because we want our burial grounds to remain a natural part of our countryside. Our memorials are simple and down to earth. They work with nature and help our burial grounds remain sustainable. As they are made in the UK they have a much lower carbon footprint than imported memorials. They also help support local businesses.
We are moving away from a sea of granite headstones, to carpets of wildflowers and woodland full of wildlife. This is one of the reasons people choose natural burial because it focuses on life, not death. On memories that remain and not the headstone left. They visit when they wish, rather than feeling they have to visit to tend to a grave. Our natural burial grounds have a completely different feel from conventional cemeteries. This is partly due to our memorials.
But we understand memorials are important. They celebrate the people we love and commemorate those special to us that have died. Our natural burial grounds offer natural memorials which work with their natural surroundings. They are all special in their own way and they all leave a lighter footprint.
You can read about the memorials that are available at each of our natural burial grounds below.
Memorials at Aylesbury
At Aylesbury Vale Natural Burial Meadow Slate Plaques can be mounted in the chestnut memorial panel in the wildlife area to the left of the entrance.
There is also the option of planting a memorial tree There are limited spaces for trees to be planted in the meadow. These are protected by robust tree guards to prevent nibbling sheep. Trees can also be planted in the copse beside the meadow which is not grazed. These are guarded by a much simpler tree-tube guard and stake. Both these options will help to create diverse habitats for our wildlife and will enhance hedgerows and help create woodland.
Within the meadow native wildflower seeds can be scattered on the grave and the surrounding area after the burial. Animals do graze within the field so please be aware these may be nibbled by our local woolly residents when grazing. The mix should be chosen to suit the clay sub-soil and be safe for livestock. You can find a typical mix on our website.
You can find out more about the memorials at Aylesbury Vale Natural Burial meadow here.
Memorials at Bath
Inside the entrance of Bath Natural Burial Meadow is the solid chestnut-framed memorial panel. Here people can place a natural slate plaque in memory of a family member or friend. It’s also a lovely place to sit with a flask and watch the sheep grazing and listen to the birds singing.
We do not have memorials in the meadow but native wildflower seeds can be scattered on the grave after the burial. Because the natural burial meadow lies within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty all plants must be native species indigenous to the area. A wildflower mix should be chosen to suit the clay sub-soil. You can find information on suppliers who can advise on the correct wildflower mix on our website to comply with this and the terms of our lease and planning.
In the orchard bulbs and plugs can be planted, or seeds sown. These also must be native species indigenous to the area. Permitted species include Primroses. These are the native yellow variety not coloured cultivated primroses. Other species include Wood Anemones, Snowdrops, Lesser Celandine, Wood Forget-me-not, and Wild Daffodils. As well as Common Shield fern and Hart’s Tongue Ferns.
You can find out more about the memorials at Bath Natural Burial meadow here.
Memorials at Cardiff
The memorial shelter at Cardiff & the Vale Natural Burial Meadow offers a place people can gather for funerals. However, it is also where you will find the Oak memorial plaques.
We do not have memorial stones, benches, vases of flowers or mementoes, which would alter the special natural quality of the meadow. Instead, we have a meadow full of grasses, wildflowers and wildlife with breathtaking views.
You can read more about the memorials at Cardiff and the Vale Natural Burial Meadow here.
Memorials at Cothiemuir Hill
Memorial stones can be placed upon a grave at Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground. These need to be rustic in shape (not square cut or polished) and laid flat to the ground. This allows them to remain in keeping with the wild and natural character of the burial ground.
We also have a few spaces where families can plant a native tree. These will enhance the extended woodland and biodiversity. They are also a lovely way of leaving a living memorial in memory of someone special.
You can read more about the memorials at Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground here.
Memorials at Delliefure
In order to preserve the meadow at Delliefure Cairngorms Natural Burial Ground as open grassland, we do not permit memorial stones on graves. But you can buy rights to place a memorial stone within the woodland. Here they can become a natural part of the surroundings.
We are also in the process of commissioning a memorial frame where natural slate memorials can be placed. We will share an update when this is in place on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
You can read more about the memorials at Delliefure here.
Memorials at Dorset Downs
At Dorset Downs Natural Burial Ground you can dedicate a mounted oak plaque within the memorial shelter. They are simple, natural, and eco-friendly. The memorial shelter also offers a space for funerals to gather and people to shelter from the rain or sun.
You can also plant a tree for life in the new woodland area of the burial ground in memory of a loved one. For those that wish to have a tree, it’s a wonderful way to leave a living memorial.
Read more about the memorials at Dorset Downs Natural Burial Ground here.
Memorials at Henley On Thames
You will find the memorial frame at Henley On Thames Woodland Burial Ground in the clearing amongst the trees. Here people can place a slate plaque in memory of a loved one. In the summer we mow this area. We let the rest of the woodland grow with simple paths mown into the grass where people can wander surrounded by wild grasses and wildflowers. This will allow the woodland to develop into thriving mature woodland. Our aim is to keep everything as natural as possible to maintain and enhance the local biodiversity. It will create a wilder more natural woodland.
We also allow the scatter of native wildflower seeds on the grave and the surrounding area after the burial. The wildflower mix must be suitable for the clay sub-soil. Please contact our custodian Andy before any seeds are scattered. She can advise on native species that are acceptable and a supplier.
You can read more about the memorials at Henley on Thames Woodland Burial Ground here.
Memorials at Hundy Mundy
At the entrance to Hundy Mundy Woodland Burial Ground, you will find our memorial frame. Here you can place a plaque in memory of someone special.
You can also dedicate a tree plaque on one of our memorial trees. You will find these across the natural burial ground. Some have views of the Cheviot hills, others overlook the farmland. Some have beautiful views of Mellerstain house. As these grow they will be a special reminder of those they are dedicated to.
You can read more about the memorials at Hundy Mundy Woodland Burial Ground here.
Memorials at Pembrokeshire
In the meadow, we have a beautiful Welsh oak frame where families can place a Welsh slate memorial. We also offer memorial tree planting and tree dedication in memory of a loved one. In addition to this, we are happy for families to scatter native wildflowers. If you wish to scatter or plant a few wildflowers please check with us first. We can confirm they are native varieties that are suitable for the area. We can also make sure they are suitable for the meadow and grazing animals and that they will work with the native habitats. As we use the meadow for hay some will grow and have a much better chance in the hedgerow or woodland. Others will be much happier in the meadow.
You can read more about the memorials at Pembrokeshire Natural Burial Ground here.
Memorials at Usk
You will find the oak memorials at Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Meadow in the memorial shelter. They are made in the UK and are one of the ways we keep things natural. The memorial shelter is located within the woodland it’s a beautiful place to stop and reflect. The shelter can also be used for funerals and can be decorated with flowers and photos to bring a personal touch to a burial.
You can read more about the memorials at Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Meadow here.
We do not include memorials as part of a natural burial or interment of ashes. Instead, we leave this as a separate option for those who wish to have one. This may be for someone resting with us, or for someone resting elsewhere. Having a place you can visit and think of them can be as meaningful as visiting their resting place. As was once said, “every memory we create is a footprint on the path of a life we make together”. Remembering these memories keeps a part of them with us. Visiting a place they would have loved is a great way to honour them.
Arrange a memorial
If you would like to arrange a memorial at one of our natural burial grounds all you need to do is get in touch.
