NATURAL BURIAL MEADOW

Transcription

1 NATURAL BURIAL MEADOW

2 Usk Castle Chase natural burial meadow The meadow at Usk is a peaceful, natural place. Somewhere special to spend time listening to the birdsong in the surrounding woodland and taking in the fine views that stretch across the valley to the hills beyond. A place of escape, away from it all.

3 The peace of the countryside The meadow was chosen because it has something special about it; a place to pause and rest in the heart of the Monmouthshire countryside. In the trees, on a bank alongside the meadow, the oak-framed memorial shelter offers somewhere to gather.

4 Your choice will help preserve the historic landscape for future generations and will contribute to the lifecycle of the earth; it will also have helped to make the experience of loss far gentler, more uniting and manageable for your family and loved ones

5 Simple, natural and beautiful Natural burials can sometimes make the experience of loss gentler, more uniting and more manageable for the family. Organise the day exactly as you d like it, be yourself completely and we will offer inspiration, support and guidance. The graves occupy landscape that will remain as you see it now, for future generations. Their positions are precisely recorded so no headstones are required.

6 How it works Natural burial is the most ecological funeral option, a thoughtful legacy for future generations. Being fully sustainable, the meadow will remain as it is now, permanent pasture - real, farmed countryside. In advance Visit the burial meadow and spend time there getting to know it and choose the area that s right for you. Download an application form from our website, or phone us and we ll send you an information pack. You can pay for pre-purchases by standing order over 10 or 20 At the time of the funeral Complete an interment form to let us know your plans for the day so that we can help you achieve your wishes. You can make the arrangements and payments yourself or your funeral director can do this for you. Burials can take place between 10am- 3pm. Weekends are also possible. Practicalities We recommend stout footwear as the ground may be uneven. A foldable chair is a good idea for those who find it difficult to stand. And remember, there s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong sort of clothes...

7 Lower Meadow Larch Side Alder Grove Beech Sedge Bank Memorial shelter and plaques W North Oak < Towards Usk Parking S N Entrance Monmouth Rd E

8 Memorials Inside the memorial shelter, oak plaques are mounted between the rafters to commemorate the names and dates of the people buried in the meadow. More time and space Organise the day exactly as you would like Flowers More time and space it to be, with the freedom to be yourselves completely. In natural surroundings Bring the dogs, which have often flower arrangements been constant companions and Bring the dogs, which have often been constant should not include any offer comfort at difficult times. companions and offer comfort at difficult times. wire, plastics or oasis. The meadow is tranquil and private. Perhaps include a couple An unhurried and gentle place to of leeks from the veg Flowers get away from it all. patch or a hand-tied Instead bouquet of the from usual florists arrangements, who try Afterwards a simple it posy is a of place flowers of escape; from your source garden, locally. a couple You may of leeks from the somewhere veg patch quiet or a to hand-tied take one step bouquet like to scatter from one single of the stems growing number at a time, of florists close to who wildlife, source with your locally. or petals Scatter into single the grave. stems or petals memories, into the grave throughout as a tribute. the seasons.

9 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. Who you ll meet at the burial meadow Rosie Humphreys, the landowner and custodian, looks after the burial meadow along with a small team of helpers. They are always happy to meet you there, to walk round with you and talk about what works well. One of them will also be there on the day of the funeral. Rosie lives with her family and their dogs and horses at nearby Usk Castle House. She farms the land and often rides in and around the meadow to keep an eye on things.

10 Memorial plaques Simple oak comemorative plaques fit between the rafters within the memorial shelter.

11 USK CASTLE CHASE MONMOUTHSHIRE A2 A3 Grave location plan for Jonathan PERROTT B1 C1 AB1 BC1 B2 C2 AB BC B3 C3 path gate turning National Grid Co-ordinates X: Y: Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to see the grave location plotted on a map or enter the x + y co-ordinates at A3 CD1 CD2 D1 D2 D3 oak memorial shelter path E1 DE1 E2 DE2 E3 AB no interments in this area parking here F1 F2 top gate G1 G2 Quarry Y B3 path gate turning H1 H2 BC2 Finding the Spot We have installed survey points, like the one shown here, at regular intervals around the burial ground. The precise position of each grave is measured from these. We provide families with a plan to show the location of the grave and the measurements. We also provide Latitude and Longitude GPS coordinates and a QR code so that you can use your smartphone to point you in the right direction. If you have any problems, just let us know and we ll help or flag the spot for you.

12 Brecon Beacons National Park Merthyr Tydfil Caerphilly River Usk A449 The meadow is located on the Monmouth Rd between Usk and Raglan. Heads of the Valleys Rd A470 Blackwood A472 A4042 Cwmbran Abergavenny A472 A40 Raglan Usk Usk A449 Newport Monmouth Wye Valley AONB Monmouth Rd Chepstow M4 River Wye A48 River Severn M5 To Cardiff M4 Bristol Channel To Bristol Office Leedam Natural Heritage 26 Agincourt Square Monmouth, NP25 3BT t e. Custodian Rosie Humphreys t e. Burial Ground Usk Castle Chase Usk, Monmouthshire NP15 1QX Leedam Natural Heritage is a trading name of Native Woodland Ltd, registered in Scotland Company No. SC240278