Your Stories: A collection of families' experiences with usWe hope that by sharing these stories we can help clarify questions about natural burial and the positive effect a funeral at one of our burial grounds can have.
If however you have any unanswered questions, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We also have a Natural Burial Guide page that gives an overview of what natural burial means, how it works and what our burial grounds aim to achieve. Enjoyed reading our stories? Why not share them with friends. |
Share your storyIf you've had an experience at one of our burial grounds you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you. Thank you to all those who have shared their stories already.
Tel. 01600 716438 Email. info@leedam.com Natural Burials: on the risePlease follow this link for a short video made by the BBC at our Usk and Cardiff Natural Burial Meadows. And if you have any thoughts, please do get in touch.
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Bygone days!
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August 2017
Bath We scattered Brian's ashes high on the hill on a bright, sunny day and spent time as a family reminiscing of bygone days and the happy times we had shared. We found the whole experience uplifting and comforting. We know and love these valleys and hills intimately as we were all born and grew up in the neighbouring villages. We felt we had brought Brian home and he was at peace surrounded by the countryside he loved so much. His grandchildren scattered the wild flower seeds you had sent and we planted some cowslips which grow naturally in our own gardens. It was a truly memorable day for us all. |
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Anything but depressing!
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We sadly lost dad after 15 years of him living with prostate cancer on May 25th 2016. Dad was 81 but was far from being an old man sitting down all day. He carried on working almost to the end and still went down his garage to see his fleet of concrete pumps and to feed the 9 stray cats who had taken fondly to the kind old Irish man who fed them daily!
Dad's personality was larger than life! Funny, witty and full of Irish charm, those who met him will always remember him as he has such a unique persona! Even though he was brought up as a strict Catholic in a farm in the Irish countryside he wasn't particularly religious. The thought of a full church service didn't really reflect him! He loved nature, he was fascinated by the changing seasons and admired the rolling hills! When we came across Leedam's natural burial site it was apparent this was the perfect place to lay dad to rest! We took comfort he could return to the land and be at one with nature. |
As one of five children we took on full responsibility of organising dad's funeral without an undertaker. The hospital was kind enough to leave dad rest there until we collected him on the day of the funeral. My brothers collected him in a borrowed Mercedes van and drove him past his home and business. Myself and my niece decorated the memorial hut with photos, flowers, candles and an Irish flag.
We organised a saxophonist who played Ray Charles and my brother in law read the obituary, and I read a poem I had wrote. Funny stories were told about him and the day was actually full of positive energy and remembrance. We love going there to visit! We picnic and take the dogs and find it anything but depressing ! Thank you for giving us and 'Paddy' a beautiful spot to rest and visit! |
The task before us was daunting to say the least.
July 2015
Usk Castle Chase
"Well the day finally arrived and all our hard work in these most emotional and stressful times paid off. A steep learning curve indeed. As a family we proved to be a very efficient team in planning and executing our "DIY" funeral, overcoming all obstacles, whilst at the same time balancing/managing our grief, and feeling of deep loss.
The Memorial Barn/Shelter became our chapel/church. A worthy tribute to Mum. Bedecked with wild flowers and roses, bracken, paper butterflies, and storm lamps with scented candles. Beautiful and fitting.
Mum was laid to rest in a wicker casket, in a most beautiful plot at Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Meadow, sheltered as she sleeps, by a magnificent oak tree. A child of nature returning to nature. I am sure she would approve!
Thank you and Rosie Humphreys for providing such an outstanding venue and the foresight to be involved in, what I am sure, is the future of burials."
Usk Castle Chase
"Well the day finally arrived and all our hard work in these most emotional and stressful times paid off. A steep learning curve indeed. As a family we proved to be a very efficient team in planning and executing our "DIY" funeral, overcoming all obstacles, whilst at the same time balancing/managing our grief, and feeling of deep loss.
The Memorial Barn/Shelter became our chapel/church. A worthy tribute to Mum. Bedecked with wild flowers and roses, bracken, paper butterflies, and storm lamps with scented candles. Beautiful and fitting.
Mum was laid to rest in a wicker casket, in a most beautiful plot at Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Meadow, sheltered as she sleeps, by a magnificent oak tree. A child of nature returning to nature. I am sure she would approve!
Thank you and Rosie Humphreys for providing such an outstanding venue and the foresight to be involved in, what I am sure, is the future of burials."
'Mum wanted a personal funeral, not one based on tradition'
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January 2015
Bath Natural Burial Meadow "My mother chose Bath Natural Burial site through an internet search after her diagnosis. She was unable to visit herself but it was very accessible for me and my brother to go and take photos - a beautiful spot we were all very happy with and which we will feel comfortable visiting in the future, even with children. The team were fantastic in their personal, reassuring service. They were very knowledgeable and gave us information and support to make the service our own. |
Pic. Looking over to the meadow from within the heritage orchard currently being restored.
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After myself and my brother did our planned readings, lots of friends and relatives contributed memories of mum - some of them spontaneously. I don't think this would have happened in a more formal indoor setting with a stranger leading the service.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this time special."
Thank you to everyone who helped make this time special."
'We decided to lead the funeral ourselves'
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November 2014
Cardiff Natural Burial Meadow "Very peaceful and beautiful... As good a day as could be expected given the sadness of the event - our mum would have loved it. We decided to lead the funeral ourselves and include the option to decorate the coffin with pictures, poems and tributes as well as natural biodegradable decorations (the coffin was cardboard). Everyone commented on how lovely this was and it allowed everyone present to say goodbye in a personal and creative way. This special tribute would not have been possible without the option of a green burial and the process was very touching. Overall a lovely place to celebrate and remember your loved one." |
Pic. Looking north from within the meadow towards Castell Coch.
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'The atmosphere exuded good feelings.'
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November 2014
Cardiff Natural Burial Meadow "Uplifting. Beautiful mixture of trees and parkland. Wonderful views, peaceful. My husband and I both wanted a natural burial and this was the nearest - we are so lucky that it's a short drive from home. It was the best funeral I've ever attended. Throughout, the atmosphere exuded good feelings, friendliness; relaxed but respectful." Pic. One of the spectacular views from the burial meadow across the Vale of Glamorgan. |
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'A place of joy as well as sadness.'
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November 2014
Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground "A place of joy as well as sadness. Peaceful, beautiful and somewhere we can comfortably visit as a family, including children and dog. Lord Forbes so obviously cares in a sensitive and respectful way. He made it easy for us. Backfilling was done in good time and the return of turves was beyond expectation. A dreadful day was made that much more bearable. Thank you to Lord Forbes." Picture. A dog playing around the stone circle at Cothiemuir Hill. |
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'A peaceful, perfect location.'
October 2014
Hundy Mundy Natural Burial Woodland
"I found the whole experience was all that I hoped for and more, I left the service feeling uplifted and glad I had chosen this ceremony, as did everyone who attended."
Hundy Mundy Natural Burial Woodland
"I found the whole experience was all that I hoped for and more, I left the service feeling uplifted and glad I had chosen this ceremony, as did everyone who attended."
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The burial woodland on a late summer's evening.
'It was a celebration of her life.'August 2014
Aylesbury Natural Burial Meadow "My mother was the first to be buried in this lovely meadow. On the day of the interment there were skylarks overhead and small blue butterflies hovering over. Everything about the day was lovely, my mother was nearly 95 and it was a celebration of her life, helped enormously by the lovely site. On visiting since we have seen hares and many birds. It is so comforting to know that she is at peace in this tranquil meadow surrounded by the wild flowers and creatures that she loved. My stepfather has reserved the plot next to her for himself. Sally the custodian is lovely and so helpful and James at Leedam did all he could to make sure we were satisfied with everything." |
The Order of Service of our first burial at Aylesbury.
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'Spectacular views over the Borders landscape'
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June 2014
Hundy Mundy Woodland Burial Ground "Smooth and seamless. Excellent and just what my husband had requested - including my local florist's bunches of flowers tied with natural rafia. If I should die here in the Borders of Scotland this is where I would choose to be laid to rest. Peaceful setting, beautiful views and kind staff helped make a sad day somewhat brighter. I hope more families have the chance to put their loved ones in such places as graveyards are often abandoned or vandalised. Plain, Simple and Perfect." |
'The obvious choice.'
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May 2014
Usk Natural Burial Meadow "We put a lot of care which was both necessary and strangely healing, into planning the ritual that we held at the meadow. It was not long or complicated and we didn't use an outside celebrant of any kind; but the universal reaction has been: 'Unforgettably moving, unique and so completely right for Pamela. Heartbreaking maybe, but if a burial can ever be beautiful, this was.' Of those who came, few knew much about natural burials. Many are now converted. On the day of the burial we had no black hearse and no black-clad figures; we were alone with Pamela and did everything ourselves and this made all the difference." |
The bluebells in blossom under the bank of trees at Usk Natural Burial Meadow.
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'A perfect end to a difficult situation.'
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Pictures above. A family spend the afternoon at Usk Natural Burial Meadow with mulled wine and mince pies, celebrating the life of their parents while interring their ashes.
"My parents wished to be placed somewhere where people can visit and reflect but do not have to regularly maintain or place flowers.
My parents were not particularly religious but did not want a humanist leading the service so I lead it supported by the funeral directors. The family then waited for an opportune time for a family member to come from Australia before interring the ashes at the burial ground. A perfect end to a difficult situation.
Our family really appreciated the tranquillity of the burial ground, the time we had to reflect and remember two most extraordinary people that had touched our lives. We have a place to come when we so desire to remember them.
The burial ground allows for people to 'celebrate' the lives of people they knew and loved. We 'celebrated' near Christmas time with mulled wine and mince pies. My parents loved Christmas so it was very fitting."
"My parents wished to be placed somewhere where people can visit and reflect but do not have to regularly maintain or place flowers.
My parents were not particularly religious but did not want a humanist leading the service so I lead it supported by the funeral directors. The family then waited for an opportune time for a family member to come from Australia before interring the ashes at the burial ground. A perfect end to a difficult situation.
Our family really appreciated the tranquillity of the burial ground, the time we had to reflect and remember two most extraordinary people that had touched our lives. We have a place to come when we so desire to remember them.
The burial ground allows for people to 'celebrate' the lives of people they knew and loved. We 'celebrated' near Christmas time with mulled wine and mince pies. My parents loved Christmas so it was very fitting."
'It does get easier.'
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"Without any shadow of doubt knowing that Paul is in such a wonderful environment - peaceful, quiet and healing - helps the grieving process. Thank you for developing an amazing environment.
Shortly before Paul died, I met him in town where he was selling the Big Issue. We went for coffee and whilst I was with him Paul asked me would I like a cabbage. Apparently an old lady had taken a shine to Paul and every week brought him a cabbage. Paul could be the most amazing young man and that old dear could clearly see the goodness in him. Just before the funeral, we were able to buy some ornamental cabbages which we used at the Byre (wake). We find it comforting to know that other people could see behind "the wonderful Big Issue seller" and bring him a gift. The first Christmas that Paul was at Usk we visited and saw a small group of people, sat on a rug with a bottle of bubbly, and we wondered when we would be able to celebrate his life... we aren't there yet... however it does get easier." Picture opposite. From the parking area up to the shelter and meadow is a gentle slope. |
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'Dad's been buried in a lovely place'
October 2013
Delliefure Natural Burial Ground
"Delliefure is very peaceful, idyllic. Dad was Scottish and moved back up to Scotland to live. He wanted a natural burial as he loved the birds and wildlife.
It's been a very sad time but I feel Dad's been buried in a lovely place."
Picture below. Looking across the burial glades that look over the March Pool on a bend in the River Spey, Tom an Uird Wood and Meiklepark Wood.
Delliefure Natural Burial Ground
"Delliefure is very peaceful, idyllic. Dad was Scottish and moved back up to Scotland to live. He wanted a natural burial as he loved the birds and wildlife.
It's been a very sad time but I feel Dad's been buried in a lovely place."
Picture below. Looking across the burial glades that look over the March Pool on a bend in the River Spey, Tom an Uird Wood and Meiklepark Wood.
'The roots will not disturb me as they wend their peaceful way.'September 2013
Henley Natural Burial Woodland "I had always imagined that the funeral of my husband, if I had to face it, would be almost unbearable. When I knew he was terminally ill, I simply could not bear the idea that his whole life would end with half an hour, all rather hasty, at the local crematorium. Once I had seen the natural burial ground, I knew that it would be totally different and that I could face it calmly. Its peaceful beauty and location attracted me there. Although desperately sad, it was a beautiful occasion which all the family felt was right and satisfying, and our grandchildren did not find intimidating. I have since taken coffee and just sat upon the seat and thought, and enjoyed the peace of the surroundings, which is the sort of place we both loved. The nearby church clock strikes the hour which my husband would have appreciated. |
Picture above. A family bow their heads in prayer at this grave side funeral. As the person who had died was a steam boat enthusiast, the cardboard coffin was made with a boat-outing scene printed around the outside and lid.
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As we wanted the occasion to be informal we asked the funeral directors if their attendants could be not in hats and black ties etc. They were delighted to lose their ties and be casual, as it was a warm day!
We had a memorial service the next day in Shiplake Church, where my husband was a bell-ringer."
We had a memorial service the next day in Shiplake Church, where my husband was a bell-ringer."
'A simple approach, back to nature.'August 2013
Bath Natural Burial Meadow "Last Saturday went very well, very emotional but a very happy, serene environment. My grandson was quite overwhelmed so he had the most important job of putting the stake in with the plaque in front of the tree. The plaque was very nicely done, couldn't have been better. Angela from the Greenwood Funeral Directors was lovely and we put together a lovely small service while scattering Ron's ashes. Mrs Cross asked us down for a coffee and we were greeted with a wonderful spread of goodies, and yes James her cakes are great. Seriously I am so glad we decided to go down this 'green' route, it is a lovely spot and even on a cloudy day it was very peaceful. It helped me a lot and shall be going back again to visit and to spend some quiet time. I want to thank you all at Leedam for all your help and advice. Wherever Ron is now on his journey, I feel we started him off in the right place." |
Picture above. A view across the burial meadow and out over the Midford valley.
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'The ethos, personal touch and dignity made the funeral part of my Dad's life, and not just the end of it.'June 2013
Henley Natural Burial Woodland "Finding Henley Natural Burial Ground was the turning point which saved us from a pretty bleak outlook. The ethos, personal touch and dignity made the funeral part of my dad's life, and not just the end of it. His funeral has sparked remarks from my brother "That'll do me when I go" and my husband with similar comments, but I hope they're a few years away yet! |
Picture above. Henley Natural Burial Ground's young trees. These memorials are planted in blocks each year, and will one day become a thriving woodland for wildlife and walkers!
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When their custodian, Andy Chanter, showed us the beautiful setting it immediately gave us a sense of purpose, rather than of duty. She took the time to let us explore the site and our options. She offered flexibility, but was also fair and clear about the few constraints (which were for good reason). She made herself available at the most unlikely times, and nothing was too much trouble. I rarely gush, but have found myself doing little else since meeting Andy - she really is superb. The organisation was sublime, and she went to pains to ensure we weren't rushed or part of a conveyor-belt.
On the day, the weather was diabolical, but if anything, it reminded us how we're part of the elements! There wasn't a single person who didn't tell me how beautiful the spot was (despite the weather!) What they won't know, of course, is how wonderful Andy, James and Melissa have been throughout. Their personal touch and unhurried manner made the difference between ticking off a box on the 'to do' list and realising a wish that my father had. I just wanted to thank them for pulling it all together.
Spookily, a week after booking the site, I came across a research file of my dad's; it was named 'Woodland Burials'. One of the clippings was from a very old Sunday supplement featuring the one and only James Leedam, so he had his eyes on you guys! We were very happy with the choice before discovering this, but the clipping was his ultimate approval!
Thank you once again for all your help."
'The unexpected death of my mother meant we were not prepared in any way for the organisation and costs of a funeral.'
Alex Dudley-Smith
May 2013
Cothiemuir Hill Natural Burial Woodland
"Here's what happened after my mum died.
This is the first time I've been responsible for sorting out a funeral and was anxious as I didn't know where to start. But I did know what mum wanted, as we had often spoken of what to do with her body when she eventually died.
My mum died in hospital, so her body was held in the hospital morgue and I wanted to remove her body from there as quickly as possible and bury it. So I immediately started researching on the internet to see what was the usual way of doing a burial with the funeral directors, burial sites and coffins. It was expensive and for me, it lacked something which at the time I could not put my finger on. I then started to look at natural burial sites, as mum had often spoken about wanting her body to be returned to the earth just as she had come into the world, completely naked!
Fortunately I found Leedam which showed photos of various sites in our area and there was one that immediately resonated with me and a burial plot was immediately arranged. The gentleman who runs Leedam organised this with the utmost sensitivity and kindness, taking a massive weight off my shoulders.
May 2013
Cothiemuir Hill Natural Burial Woodland
"Here's what happened after my mum died.
This is the first time I've been responsible for sorting out a funeral and was anxious as I didn't know where to start. But I did know what mum wanted, as we had often spoken of what to do with her body when she eventually died.
My mum died in hospital, so her body was held in the hospital morgue and I wanted to remove her body from there as quickly as possible and bury it. So I immediately started researching on the internet to see what was the usual way of doing a burial with the funeral directors, burial sites and coffins. It was expensive and for me, it lacked something which at the time I could not put my finger on. I then started to look at natural burial sites, as mum had often spoken about wanting her body to be returned to the earth just as she had come into the world, completely naked!
Fortunately I found Leedam which showed photos of various sites in our area and there was one that immediately resonated with me and a burial plot was immediately arranged. The gentleman who runs Leedam organised this with the utmost sensitivity and kindness, taking a massive weight off my shoulders.
Picture above. A view across a burial glade at Cothiemuir Hill to Bennachie. Plots for natural burial and the interment or scattering of ashes can be reserved here.
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Next thing on my list was what to put mum's body in. She had mentioned being buried in her birthday suit, but that was too much for me and the hospital would dig their heels in, seeing it as being disrespectful to the deceased. I then came across a YouTube video of an amazing lady who did her mother's burial herself, completely from start to finish, collecting her mother's body (which was wrapped in a shroud, no coffin!) from the morgue and going on a wonderful journey to the burial site, where she dug the grave herself and finally laid her mother's body to rest. It was very inspirational and gave me the hope and focus that I could give mum's body the intimate and loving burial she had wished for. Deciding that her body would be buried in a shroud, a beautiful American quilt with stars embroidered all over it, in rememberance of the joyful years we had living in Washington DC and eventually laying her body to rest on a bed of roses. We did not have a minister, as we chose to do the service ourselves, each member of the family and friends playing a part.
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Now the hospital had to be informed of my plans to collect mum's body from their morgue. Usually this is done by funeral directors, but there is another way, you can do it yourself. This may sound daunting as the Idea of handling the dead body of a loved one can be strange to say the least. The truth is , it was the most natural thing to do. Having spent my whole life with my mother it seemed right to be the one to carry her body from the morgue to the burial site, rather then leaving it to a funeral director, a stranger, who had no connection with my mum during her lifetime. I telephoned the hospital, informing them of the date and time, I would be collecting mum's body. Of course they were very unsure of what the rules and regulations are and I could understand their uncertainty, as most hospitals and doctors do not know the law on who is legally responsible for the body of a loved one. I was mum's Power of Attorney and Executor of her will and therefore legally allowed to take her body from the morgue to the burial. If the hospital refused to release her body to me, they would be breaking the law! Wanting to make sure everything ran smoothly on the day of the collection, I did a dummy run the previous day, which was very useful in meeting the hospital staff who would be helping me with mum's body and essential in finding the pick-up point for the morgue. It was a first time for them, handing a body over to someone who wasn't a funeral director and a first time for me. On the day of the funeral, the transfer of mum's body went quickly and smoothly, with the hospital porter remarking how good it was that family and friends were participating in such a way and that he expects to see more of this happening in the future.
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Picture above. One of the stone structures in the Neolithic stone circle found at Cothiemuir Hill. These recumbent stones are thought mark the site of an ancient burial ground.
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Mum's body comfortably positioned in the car and surrounded by roses, we began our journey through beautiful scenery of mountains, rivers and woodlands, finally reaching our destination where mum's body was to be buried. The estate manager was there to greet us and had very thoughtfully built a board with straps, in order to lower mum's body into the grave. This he made, knowing that mum's body wasn't in a coffin, something I hadn't thought of! I'm so grateful for his kindness.
Everything about that day was so beautiful and i'm blessed to have had such a life enhancing opportunity. It is a day that my family, friends and I will always hold dear in our hearts and remember with joy and gratitude."
The burial ground was Cothiemuir Hill and the helpful man from the estate was Steven Clark, the grave digger.
If you'd like to see more about natural burial, please visit our YouTube channel.
'A peaceful, perfect place for a farmer to rest.'
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April 2013
Cardiff Natural Burial Meadow "The natural burial ground is the perfect place for a farmer to be laid to rest. Dad loved wide open fields and spent all his working life in the open air, so to be in a place with far reaching views over his home city of Cardiff, out to the Bristol Channel to Somerset and up to the Brecon Beacons, is something he would have really appreciated. In addition, having the willow coffin, and laying the coffin onto a bed of straw also felt exactly "right" for Dad." |
Picture above. Sitting under the Sycamores looking out over the northern view.
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Picture above. Standing inside the natural burial ground at Cardiff, looking east towards the city. The Severn Bridges, Millenium Stadium and Vale of Glamorgan all form part of the stunning views available here.
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'A very memorable occasion - very uplifting.'October 2012
Cardiff Natural Burial Meadow "A peaceful place with wonderful views yet conveniently close to roads and facilities. We always wanted to be buried in a natural burial ground. This was close to our home. It was just as my husband would have wished. His relatives were impressed and said "it was just him." Even the heavy rain stopped for a while. A very memorable occasion - very uplifting." |
'It is nice to have sheep as 'ground maintenance staff'.'
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"Can't come up with the right words to describe such a special place (sorry).
However, it was natural and had no 'furniture', beautiful and peaceful. All went smoothly and everyone considerate, patient and sensitive. Locally, Mary and Colin could not have been kinder. Everyone was very kind and sensitive to our grief and did their best to make the day as easy as possible. As we both worked with sheep years ago it is nice to have sheep as 'ground maintenance staff'." |
Picture. A procession walk through Hundy Mundy wood towards the gothic folly.
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'Journey to Beautiful Speyside'April 2012
Delliefure Natural Burial Ground Thank you to Rev. Paul Sinclair from Motorcycle Funerals who sent us this blog post. The prospect of chilling wind, heavy rain and at times hail showers did nothing to daunt Christianna Campbell. She rode 123 miles on the pillion seat of our Triumph hearse alongside her dad on his final ride from the Kingskettle Parish Church in Fife to the beautiful and very peaceful Delliefure Natural Burial Ground overlooking the River Spey near Grantown on Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Quick checks on how she was doing on the pillion along the way were invariably met with a big smile. Christianna’s dad Alasdair rode an outfit himself. He was a member of the Federation of Sidecar Clubs so it was very fitting that he was carried in a sidecar and that Christianna, so often his passenger, travelled with him. For her it was an experience she will forever cherish, and to the many people who attended the funeral service to celebrate Alasdair’s life an everlasting and powerful symbol of the bond between a doting daughter and her dad. Our rider took it as a great compliment when she said before leaving that she would be fine as she was used to riding with someone nice and rounded like him! His daughters now know what is expected of them at some point in the future, and the crossbar has been set very high indeed. Nobody can deny that Christianna Campbell is a very worthy extraordinary recipient of the Motorcycle Funerals Ltd Rider Award, usually only presented to Funeral Directors on the third occasion they travel on the pillion with us. Pictures from top. Christianna arriving on the Triumph hearse, the funeral directors carry the wicker coffin to the plot in our birch tree wood, and a family member plays his last respects. |
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'The only option for burial as far as Mum and I were concerned.'July 2011
Usk Natural Burial Meadow "The service you provide makes a very daunting task almost bearable. I couldn't think of a better way to say 'Goodbye' to my parents. It has really helped us. When James emailed me about his new business a number of years ago I was very surprised. I had never heard of natural burials and had never considered I'd need to think about any such thing. "I'd appreciate it if you'd just have a look and tell me what you think of the whole idea" he asked. I did, I admit it was very quickly scanned over but I realised that what he intended to provide was an excellent idea and service. I think I replied with words to that effect but hoped I'd not have to contact him soon! Sadly, my Dad died two years ago and James was the only option for burial as far as Mum and I were concerned. We were correct. I would recommend a natural burial at Usk to anyone. My Mum is now buried with Dad, at her request and again we had a peaceful service! Thank you." Picture opposite. Looking across the burial glades from under the bank of the trees towards Park Wood and Lady Hill Wood. |
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'My late wife would have loved the sheep grazing there.'June 2011
Cardiff Natural Burial Meadow "The beauty and location of the site is what attracted me to the burial ground - overlooking Cardiff and The Vale. My late wife would have loved the sheep grazing there. Many of those who attended my wife's funeral were surprised that a natural burial was possible - and commented very favourably on the whole experience (particularly in contrast to recent cremations in the family.) My wife loved the countryside and going for long walks with her dogs. This was denied her during the last year of her life and was one of the things she really missed. Finding an alternative to traditional graveyards and crematoria was important to her. Being able to plan her service and a resting place which reflected her personality was a source of great relief. The day itself, when it came, was peaceful and dignified and a truly moving experience for her family and friends." Pictures opposite. Under the group of mature Sycamore trees in the middle of the burial ground at Cardiff sit a flock of sheep - our 'natural lawn mowers.' |
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Interview with the Castellos
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Listen to Nicki and Cass Castello discuss their young daughter Lauren's brave choice of resting place with Marsha O'Mahoney. Lauren was buried at Usk Castle Chase in July 2005.
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