SHEEPDROVE NATURAL BURIAL WOOD Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Eco-Conference Centre Lambourn, Berkshire, RG17 7UU Tel: 01488 674747 www.sheepdrove.com/naturalburials
About Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood is situated at the heart of our organic farm within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, high up on the ancient Berkshire Downs above Lambourn. The natural burial wood complements our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Powered by wind and solar, our 2500 acre organic working farm produces both livestock and arable crops, while providing wildflower meadows, woodlands and wetlands to encourage diversity of wildlife. The site itself covers 4.5 acres of deciduous woodland, planted with native trees and sheltered by mature hedgerows, with stunning, far-reaching views of organic meadows and the surrounding valleys. Under the trees, native wildflowers provide a habitat for a variety of bees and wildlife. The site allows full burial and ashes interment in an undisturbed final resting place. Visitors to our burial wood are welcome to come and go as they please all year round - there are no restrictions. The paths through the woodland create a lovely place for a peaceful stroll, or you can walk along the byways which converge at the entrance to the burial wood and which offer beautiful views for peaceful contemplation. The death of a loved one takes us into unfamiliar territory at a time when we are most vulnerable. At Sheepdrove we provide a sensitive and highly personal service. Everyone is welcome here; we embrace all faiths and no faith, and we can accommodate any type of ceremony, although you need not have a ceremony at all. Should you require catering, our stunning Eco-Conference Centre is the perfect place to celebrate a life. Accommodation is also available on the farm. About Sheepdrove Eco-Conference Centre Families and friends are very welcome to meet before or after the burial at Sheepdrove Eco-Conference Centre, just shy of a mile from the burial ground. The centre is built from sustainable and natural materials and is powered by on-farm wind and solar energy. Life celebrations and wakes can be held at the centre which has several versatile rooms, from small intimate spaces to the timber-vaulted, cathedral-like Oak Room, which can provide microphones, audio-visual equipment and a stage. Should you require, we can provide refreshments, anything from a cup of tea and a biscuit to formal dining for up to 150 people. All of the food we produce is organic and our dining room serves fresh, seasonal meals using meat raised on the farm, and fruit and vegetables from our kitchen gardens. Our bar also serves organic wine, beer and soft drinks. We can also arrange tractor and trailer transport for mourners from the Eco-Conference Centre to the burial site.
Frequently Asked Questions Is Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood consecrated? No. Consecrated ground is dedicated as sacred (usually by a specific religion). Sheepdrove Natural Burial ground is open to people of all faiths, or no faith. Do I have to use a Funeral Director? No. Many people choose to make all of the arrangements themselves although some prefer the support of a professional. A good Funeral Director or Undertaker will provide as much or as little help as you require. Do I have to have a funeral service? You do not have to have any service at all although most people choose some form of ceremony to mark the burial of a loved one. Can you help me organise the funeral? Although we are not funeral directors ourselves, we are able to put you in touch with relevant professionals and will liaise appropriately to ensure that all goes smoothly. Can I hold a wake or life celebration at Sheepdrove? Yes, Sheepdrove s Eco-Conference Centre can accommodate a wide range of catering options, from a simple cup of tea to formal seated dining for up to 150 guests. Please contact us for more details on 01488 674747 Is the burial wood officially regulated? We are a member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds and registered with the West Berkshire Council. Is the future of Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood secured? The burial wood is held in trust for the long-term future. Should the burial wood ever cease to operate or reach maximum capacity, it will be set aside as a memorial woodland. Will the burial plot I purchase ever be reused? No, this will never happen. Can I arrange interment of my loved one s ashes at Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood Yes, absolutely. What burial materials are permitted at Sheepdrove? Only 100% bio-degradable materials are allowed to be buried. Wool, cotton, wicker, cardboard are all acceptable. Coffins or shrouds can be used. Can I have a memorial to my loved one at Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood? Our native woodland is intended as a natural living memorial and so, in order to preserve the natural beauty of the land, no memorials are permitted except for cut natural flowers or planted wildflowers. See below. Can I place or plant flowers at Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood? Yes, you can. Cut flowers in their natural state can be placed on graves providing they are free of all wrapping, containers, ribbons etc. Wildflowers must be native to the British Isles and supplied by Sheepdrove Organic Farm. Please ask for more information. Can I plant a memorial tree? No, as the site is a native woodland, there is no availability for additional trees. Can I be buried with my loved one when I die? Adjacent plots can be purchased. We are unable to accommodate two bodies in one grave. Can I access the burial wood at any time? Yes, our site is open 24 hours, all year round. When I visit can I bring my dog onto the site? Yes, provided you keep him/her on a lead at all times. It is important that you clean up any mess your pet makes. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Prices from January 2018 Burial Plot Ashes Interment Plot 1000.00 500.00 These charges are for interment rights only and do not include undertaking or excavation of grave. Grave digging charges for burial plot 275.00 Grave digging charges for ashes plot 90.00 Payment to Sheepdrove Organic Farm (BACS transfer/cheque) Bank: Triodos Bank Bank Address: Deaney Road, Bristol 5AS Sort Code: 16-58-10 Account number: 20093446 Reference: Sheepdrove Organic Farm 20093446 Sheepdrove is a member of the Soil Association and The Natural Burial Ground Association.
Terms and Conditions These terms and conditions do not create any right of exclusive occupation or any freehold interest in the land by you as the plot holder. These terms and conditions have been devised to ensure that the Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood remains as wild and natural as possible. The site will be maintained to ensure full access, whilst maintaining the wild nature of the site. Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood must not be treated or managed as a garden. We ask that when you are visiting the burial wood you are sensitive to others, enabling everyone to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the site. All dogs must be kept on leads, please, and all litter must be taken away with you. You, as the plot holder agree to the following: To use a 100% biodegradable materials for interment (coffins, shrouds, urns) Not to embalm the body Not to clear or garden the plot, or bring soil or additional materials to the site Not to plant anything without consulting Sheepdrove in the first instance Not to place any permanent signs or features on the plot Not to place plastic or artificial wrappings/flowers/ribbons/ornaments etc on the plot To leave all flowers entirely in their natural state Sheepdrove Organic Farm agrees to the following: To use Geographical Information System Technology to locate your plot To keep a burial register Sheepdrove will endeavour to provide a plot next to a loved one(note that it is not possible to double dig a plot) To maintain the site as a natural, organic woodland To guarantee perpetuity of the site as a Memorial Woodland Please ensure that you have read all Terms & Conditions carefully and agree them prior to signing the contract.
Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood Contract NAME OF DECEASED NEXT OF KIN ADDRESS POSTCODE CONTACT NUMBERS EMAIL I/we have read and accepted the Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood terms & conditions SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATURE DATE ON BEHALF OF SHEEPDROVE ORGANIC FARM: NAME DESIGNATION SIGNATURE DATE