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Rules & Regulations

Point 11 flowers

​The following regulations are made to enable Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow to create and maintain a respectful space which allows nature to thrive. 

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The Burial Meadow

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  1. Access is permitted via a permissive footpath during the main Thoulstone Park opening hours which will vary seasonally.  Please check before you visit.

  2. No seed may be scattered on the burial ground unless authorised by Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow.

  3. Picking of flowers or shrubs or the unauthorised planting of any flowers or shrubs is prohibited. Non-native species will be removed. Construction or maintenance of flower beds is not permitted, and no soil, peat or compost may be imported to the site. 

  4. No naturally germinated seedlings apart from bramble, thistle, nettle and ragwort may be removed from plots. 

  5. All visitors shall behave in a law abiding and appropriate manner. 

  6. No amplified music should be played except during funeral services. 

  7. Children must be always supervised.

  8. Dogs must always be kept on a lead. 

  9. Litter bins are provided near the cafe, however where possible we ask that you take any rubbish with you, or better still don’t bring it in the first place. Littering of the site is not allowed. 

  10. No marker, monument, fence, or other construction is permitted unless with the authorisation of the management. 

  11. Only a simple posy of loose cut flowers to be placed on fresh graves after a burial. Sheep may eat and scatter these flowers, so it is imperative that the species listed here are not left as they are poisonous;  Lupins, Foxgloves, Lillies, No berries.  Flowers will be removed once their bloom is over.

  12. Nothing should be hung from or tied to trees.

  13. The scattering of cremated remains is not permitted due to their highly alkaline pH and elevated sodium levels, which can "burn" and damage vegetation, alter soil chemistry, and contaminate water sources. 

  14. Registers and plans of the burial ground are kept by Mary Cross as the Burial Meadow manager.  These can be inspected free of charge by appointment. In accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) we are only permitted to release information to the public in respect of the deceased. ​​

Burials 

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  1. Embalming involves preserving the body with chemicals so is incompatible with natural burial due to its environmental impact.  Embalmed bodies will not be permitted.   We would only accept embalmed remains in exceptional circumstances, e.g. repatriation

  2. Anything placed in the coffins should be biodegradable, including clothing. 

  3. All coffins and their linings should be sustainably produced from natural, biodegradable materials. 

  4. Cremated remains will require a Certificate of Cremation from an approved crematorium prior to internment. 

  5. Grave digging will be arranged by Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow and only by persons appointed by Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow are allowed to excavate within the burial ground. Purchase of the Rights of Burial will not cover any charges imposed for excavating the graves. A grave interment fee also applies. 

  6. In the event of graves becoming sunken over time it may be necessary to top up the ground with excess soil. Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow reserves the right to undertake this maintenance. 

  7. We reserve the right to exclude anyone from the premises who is found to be disruptive or disrespectful. 

  8. Sheep have full access to the meadow at all times so a simple floral tribute can only be left following a burial if point no 11 of Burial Meadow R&R's are strictly adhered too.  Why not take them home and appreciate them for yourselves.  

  9. If a large funeral is anticipated or unusual transport anticipated Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow should be notified and appropriate arrangements can be made.  

  10. Burials take place Monday to Friday excluding public holidays between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm in summer and 10 am and 2 pm in winter.  Saturday by special arrangement, additional charges will apply. 

  11. Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow will allocate the plots; however, the wishes of the applicant will be considered wherever possible and religious requirements respected.​

Memorials

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  1. These consist of memorial plaques bearing the name of the deceased, date of birth and death which can be mounted in our memorial board in the gathering area.   

  2. Memorial rights are granted for a period of 25 years. After this time, you are welcome to collect your plaque.

  3. We will make every effort to contact the person responsible for purchasing the plaque once the 25-year period has expired. If we are unable to make contact, the plaque will be respectfully removed.

  4. Families have the option to plant memorial trees within designated areas and at designated planting times as per the approved Thoulstone Park Master Plan, which enhances the existing landscape.  These trees will not be marked but can be visited.

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