The Natural Burial Ground

A nature reserve burial ground is a place where loved ones can be laid to rest, where the beauty and peace of nature are paramount.

At Sun Rising, our 16 acres is a carefully managed and developing nature reserve, made up of wildflower meadow and grassland, native woodland, grassy rides and hedgerows, and a wildlife pond. It is an extraordinary gift for our children, our grandchildren and generations to come.

Funerals at Sun Rising may be traditional or informal, conventional or individual, sombre or colourful, religious or humanist. While some families use a funeral director, a minister, hearse and limousines, other funerals are family-centred gatherings using our own arrangement service.  Either way, a funeral can be a very simple farewell, with no fuss, or it can be an exuberant celebration of life.  It is possible to spend a fair bit on all the extras, or keep the costs very low indeed. We're here to help you create the funeral that is right for you.

At Sun Rising, there are two options for burial: woodland or meadow. This is true for both coffin burial or interment of ashes. We can usually offer a few choices of locations, so, if you would like to do so, you can choose the exact spot.

Woodland Burial Areas

In our woodland burial areas, a native tree can be planted on the grave. A small slate memorial tree plaque can be installed beside the tree, marking the grave.

Families can choose from a list of native trees, or decide according to what trees have been chosen for plots nearby. We plant a limited number of those trees which can grow to dominate a woodland, such as oak and small leaved lime.  There are plenty of trees that will always fit in, such as hazel, cherry and birch.  Have a look at our Memorials page for more information.

During the summer months, paths are mown in younger woodland burial areas, allowing access to graves for visitors.  Trees are guaranteed for ten years, after which time the areas are managed as as rich nature reserve woodland.

It is not possible to reserve specific plots in advance of need in a woodland area.

Meadow Burial Areas

In the meadows of wildflowers and grasses, the burial areas are open and peaceful beneath the sun and stars.  They change with the seasons - in spring, primroses, daffodils and cowslips bring an array of yellows; as the summer comes, there are trefoils, clovers, vetches and daisies; by August it is all purples with knapweeds, betony and scabious, the wildflowers becoming brown seedheads before being mown for the autumn and winter.

For the funeral itself and around some new burial areas, the grass is kept short.  There are no paths between meadow graves, and where there are no spots for new graves, plots become inaccessible over the summer months: it is not permitted to walk through the tall grasses and flowers of the meadows, as this would crush the vegetation on other graves.  After the annual mow, in August or September, it is possible to walk across the meadow.

Because of the annual mowing, there are no plaques on meadow graves. This is ideal for those who wish to be buried in total simplicity, beneath the flowers, butterflies, bees and the birdsong. For those who would like a marker, a slate plaque can be bought for a nearby pathside shared memorial post.

When a loved one is buried in the meadow, it is possible to reserve the adjacent plot.

Religious Traditions and Other Beliefs

People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome at Sun Rising.  For many, it is the beauty of nature - whether as God's creation or nature in itself - that draws people to choose a natural burial ground.

Many of our funerals are Christian, of many denominations. Some have the service at local church or chapel, then come to Sun Rising for the committal. Some Christian services are held at Sun Rising, the minister taking the service in the Longhouse, Roundhouse or at the graveside. The burial ground is not consecrated, but individuals are free to have graves blessed by ministers of their own faith. We have had Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan and Humanist services, and many funerals which include a gentle sense of the sacred without church liturgy.

For those of the Islamic faith, we have a small meadow area specifically for Muslim burials, with graves accurately aligned to Mecca. We are happy to accept shroud burials and Muslim prayers at Sun Rising. It can sometimes be possible to bury within 48 hours, although a surcharge is made for short notice funerals.  Being in the meadow, Muslim graves are not marked, but a plaque can be put on the shared pathside memorial post.

If you have any queries with regard to your own specific needs, do get in touch.