Across the UK, more and more people are choosing non-religious funerals as a way to celebrate life in a unique and personalised style. Whether you identify as atheist, agnostic, or simply prefer a secular approach, some options allow you to bid farewell in a beautiful alternative to a churchyard or a crematorium.
Non-religious funerals offer a departure from traditional religious ceremonies, providing a platform for a more personalised farewell. These ceremonies focus on celebrating the life lived rather than adhering to religious rituals. They allow for creativity and flexibility, encouraging mourners to share stories, memories, and anecdotes that truly capture the essence of the departed.
For those seeking an alternative to traditional churchyards, natural burial grounds present a serene and eco-friendly option. Usk Natural Burial Meadow offers a peaceful final resting place surrounded by nature.
Natural burial grounds prioritise environmental sustainability. The absence of traditional headstones and the use of biodegradable coffins contribute to a more eco-friendly final resting place.
Set in a picturesque location in Usk, the burial ground provides a tranquil and beautiful backdrop, creating a serene environment for reflection and remembrance.
Rather than traditional headstones, Usk natural burial meadow offers alternative memorial options such as planting a tree or engraving a plaque, allowing for a lasting tribute.
A non-religious service is a ceremony that celebrates life, milestones, or events without incorporating religious traditions. These services often are led by a secular celebrant, humanist officiant, or a chosen friend/family member.
The ceremony may include speeches, readings, memories and non-religious music, with a focus on personalisation and inclusivity. Symbolic gestures like lighting candles, raising a toast of their favourite drink or planting a tree may be incorporated. Alternatively, a moment of reflection allows attendees to contemplate or remember in their own way. The overall tone is one of celebration, emphasising humanist principles, personal values, and positive memories.
For more information on non-religious funerals and natural burial grounds, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team. We are here to support you and help you create a farewell that is as unique and special as the life being celebrated.
At the Usk Natural Burial Meadow, you can purchase a burial plot or an ashes plot, either ahead of time or for someone who has died.
The burial ground is divided into 6 areas, each with slightly different features. The meadow looks down the Usk valley to the blue ridge of Wentwood, with the endlessly changing, unfolding landscape. People find the lovely views restful and pleasing to the eye.
Lower Meadow - £980
Larch Side - £1475
Alder Grove - £1475
North Oak - £1595
Sedge Bank - £1915
Beech - £2460
Lower Meadow - £490
Larch Side - £740
Alder Grove - £740
North Oak - £795
Sedge Bank - £960
Beech - £1225
Oak Memorial Plaque - £335
Find us the on the Monmouth Road between Usk and Raglan. A mile from Usk town centre, look for the ‘Natural Burial Ground’ signs on the left. The car park is through 2 sets of gates up the hill, the memorial shelter is up the track to the right.
We recommend that before you make the decision to purchase a burial or interment plot, you go to visit the burial ground, to make sure it is the right place for you and your family.
The site is open all year round during daylight hours so please feel free to visit without making an appointment. The gate is always unlocked. Or if you would like a guided tour around the ground, please get in touch with Rosie, the custodian, who will be happy to meet you there.
Whether you're arranging a funeral now or planning for the future, we have put together information packs for you to download.
The meadow looks down the Usk valley to the blue ridge of Wentwood, with the endlessly changing, unfolding landscape. People find the lovely view restful and pleasing to the eye.