Rules and regulations | Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow

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.

The Burial Meadow

Access is permitted via a permissive footpath during the main Thoulstone Park opening hours which will vary seasonally. Please check before you visit.
No seed may be scattered on the burial ground unless authorised by Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow.
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.
No naturally germinated seedlings apart from bramble, thistle, nettle and ragwort may be removed from plots.
All visitors shall behave in a law abiding and appropriate manner.
No amplified music should be played except during funeral services.
Children must be always supervised.
Dogs must always be kept on a lead.
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.
No marker, monument, fence, or other construction is permitted unless with the authorisation of the management.
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.
Nothing should be hung from or tied to trees.
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.
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.

Right of Burials

By agreeing to purchase a Right to Burial you are agreeing to these terms.

To receive the Right of Burial, full payment must be made and funds cleared. Following this the Rights of Burial Certificate will be issued, and an interment can take place.
The purchase of the Right of Burial is for the right of burial in the plot, it does not confer ownership of the plot.
The Right of Burial may not be varied or amended. Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow may, at their discretion agree to a change. This may be subject to an additional administration fee.
For advance purchases of Rights of Burial, it may be, due to the passage of time or changing circumstances that the services offered are no longer available or feasible. In this event Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow will provide a reasonable alternative arrangement. Should you or your representatives not approve of the alternative a full refund of the Rights of Burial will be issued.
If you wish to cancel the Right of Burial within 12 months of purchase you will receive a refund of the amount paid, less an administration fee of £200. Cancellations after this time will only be refunded in exceptional circumstances. If you wish to cancel within 3 months we will waive the administration fee.
Following your death, it is not possible for your representative to cancel the Right of Burial. No monies will be refunded in this event.
If we are unable to provide the burial plots because of exceptional circumstances, e.g. legislation changes, ground conditions, fire, floods then Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow reserve the right to cancel and refund all monies you have paid to Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow.
Rights of Burial cannot be sold or transferred without written consent from Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow. An administration fee may apply, and it will be necessary for new parties to agree to the terms and conditions.
If the Rights of Burial are unclaimed after a period of 25 years from the date of purchase, then we will write to you at your last known address to establish that it is still your intention to claim the Right of Burial. If we do not hear from you within 6 months of the letter then we shall be entitled to consider that you have chosen not to claim the Rights of Burial and we may, at our discretion cancel the Right of Burial and retain the monies.
The rules and regulations of the Burial Ground are subject to change and must be complied with

Burials

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
Anything placed in the coffins should be biodegradable, including clothing.
All coffins and their linings should be sustainably produced from natural, biodegradable materials.
Cremated remains will require a Certificate of Cremation from an approved crematorium prior to internment.
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.
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.
We reserve the right to exclude anyone from the premises who is found to be disruptive or disrespectful.
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.
If a large funeral is anticipated or unusual transport anticipated Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow should be notified and appropriate arrangements can be made.
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.
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

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