Natural Burials At Seven Penny Meadow
“If only I’d known about this when…”
Whether you are eco-minded, a nature lover or simply want something a little different. Seven Penny Meadow Natural Burial Ground might be the choice for you. We bought it in 2015 as we fell in love with the amazing views across the valley, but also because we wanted to be able to arrange funerals which gave freedom and choice to our customers.
We only ever have one funeral a day at Seven Penny Meadow, so that you can take your time and use your imagination to create a really memorable send off.
What Is A Natural Burial?
Natural burial (or green burial) is a term used to describe the burial of the deceased in an area which creates new habitats for wildlife (flora and fauna) or preserves existing habitats.
At a time when municipal and church cemeteries are running out of space and there are environmental concerns over cremations; natural burials offer an alternative which is environmentally friendly, whilst having the long-term benefits of giving back to nature and creating peaceful and public green spaces.
At Go As You Please, we have an ongoing commitment for the development of native flora at Seven Penny Meadow, with an aim to create a self-sustaining natural environment in the long term. Click here to see more about our wildflower meadow.
What Happens At A Funeral At Seven Penny Meadow?
Typically, friends and family will arrive at Seven Penny Meadow, where the deceased will be waiting in a beautifully decorated natural wicker coffin at The Lodge. A celebrant or family led service and interment will follow. Should you wish, you can stay and have food and drinks back at The Lodge afterwards.
Whilst the format is simple, is can be changed to suit, and there are endless opportunities for personalisation. Popular ideas include decorating The Lodge with photos, memory tags for wicker coffins, and music or sing-a-longs.
Planning A Funeral At Seven Penny Meadow
We offer a range of funeral packages at Seven Penny Meadow which are inclusive of your burial plot, interment, and a suitable coffin, along with all the usual things that a funeral director does.
At Go As You Please we offer a range of funeral packages, to provide you with an idea of structure and costs.
These are intended as a framework and are all fully customisable to suit your needs.
Full Natural Burial Service £3300
Our main pack is a full celebration with a celebrant led service in The Lodge, a wicker coffin, interment, and optional family time in The Lodge afterwards.
Direct Natural Burial – Attended/Unattended £2000/£1700
A simple option with a cardboard coffin, no service, the deceased will go directly to graveside for interment.
Ashes burial £750
If you do not want to be buried but like the idea of Seven Penny Meadow then we also do ashes burials. You could combine this with a Direct Cremation, or you may already have ashes and wish them to rest somewhere more permanent. Price includes a sandstone gravemarker with an inscription (max 30 letters).
Our natural burial packages include:
- 24-hour collection of the deceased from anywhere in the local area
- Natural burial plot at Seven Penny Meadow
- Interment fees
- Coffin (wicker or cardboard depending on the package)
- Care, preparation, and dressing of the deceased according to your wishes
- Viewings in the Chapel of Rest at any of our branches
- Celebrant fees (for the Full Natural Burial Package only)
- Use of the Lodge (for the Full Natural Burial Package only)
- Transportation of the deceased to the funeral by estate car
- Pallbearers
But do not include:
- Hearse and limousines
- Floral tributes and keepsakes
- Embalming
- Masonry/memorials
- Out of area repatriation
- Church fees
- Catering
What Facilities Do You Have?
Parking – we have ample parking on site and the gates are open 24/7.
“The Lodge” – is situated next to the car park and offers a sheltered area in which families can hold funeral services or gatherings. In the warmer months, the decked area provides a great viewpoint of the burial ground and the valley. In the colder months the log burner inside takes the chill off and provides a cosy atmosphere to keep you comforted. There is disabled access to The Lodge.
Toilet – toilet facilities are available for funeral occasions. There is no disabled toilet.
Electric – there is no mains electricity on site. For funerals we used battery operated equipment for music and lighting, and we use flasks for hot water.
Water – there is no water on site. Please bring your own water for drinking or watering trees.
Photo Gallery
Photos really don’t do the Seven Penny Meadow justice, but we’ve grouped together some of our favourite pictures below.
What Happens After The Funeral?
It can take a few months for a grave to settle depending on the weather conditions. During this time it may look a bit messy and we may need to add or remove soil. However once it has settled to our satisfaction we will level it off and put grass seed down.
As part of our commitment to creating a natural environment, we do not allow any grave décor. The only things permitted are a tree, a 9” x 9” slate/stone grave marker plaque, or a brass memorial plaque on one of the dedicated benches. Please refer to our T&C for more detailed information on what is/isn’t allowed. Only trees supplied/approved by Go As You Please are permitted. Only plaques supplied by Go As You Please are permitted.
When you come to visit, there are seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings, take some time for quiet contemplation, or even have a picnic. The entire site is dog friendly (please pick up poop).