The Traherne Family
Coedarhydyglyn is a beautiful classical country house, built in 1820 for the Traherne family. It lies within a parkland estate on the western edge of Cardiff. Rhodri and Annabelle Traherne heard of our Usk natural burial ground from the Country Landowners Association. They invited James, Founder of Leedam, to visit them to discuss a natural burial ground at Cardiff.
Coedarhydyglyn is a bit of a tongue-twister for non-Welsh-speakers. Locals pronounce it as Coedriglan – meaning ‘the wood along the glen’. The simple description nowhere near prepares you for the picturesque beauty of it. The ‘glen’, the parkland and the well-tended gardens surround the perfect classical country house. It is no wonder that the whole place is Listed as being of National Importance.
When Rhodri then suggested the high ground above the house for a Natural Burial Ground – Wow! That was spectacular! Panoramic views across the parkland, Cardiff city, St Fagans and Castle Coch. And in the middle distance, the Bristol Channel, and the two Severn Bridges. It was perfect… simple, beautiful, peaceful.
About the burial ground
The burial ground was established in 2008 and occupies the plateau of parkland on the western rim of the city. The burial meadow gave us the chance to offer burials and interment of ashes that were natural.
The meadow is a very special place, which is because of the birdsong, wildlife, wildflowers that surround you. But it is also because of the people that have chosen to be a part of it, who each have their own story and their own reasons for choosing a natural burial. While families have the time and freedom to do things their way.
The burial ground features fine mature trees planted more than a hundred years ago. In 2012, to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and to ensure the long-term future of the parkland, nine Sessile Oaks were planted in three groups of three trees.
These have now outgrown their tree guards and are developing into fine specimen trees. And within these, we are able to offer interment of ashes for those who may prefer to be shaded by the trees with the birds singing overhead. The burial ground continues as grassland pasture. It is beautifully managed by the Trahernes and presents a fine and prestigious location with commanding views across the surrounding land.
