Green Burial Rules - Old Park Meadow

As a true natural burial ground, it is vital that we conserve the habitats and ecosystems of our growing meadows and woodland. We have some rules in place to ensure Old Park Meadow remains a place of natural beauty and is safely and sustainably maintained. These are compliant with the rules of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, of which we are a member. All our work is carried out with the advice of various wildlife programmes and in accordance with best horticultural practices.

When visiting Old Park Meadow, we ask that you adhere to our rules at all times and show consideration for the land and other visitors.

Burials

No interment is permitted without the appropriate Registrar’s certificate or Coroner’s order for burial, or cremation certificate for interment. All forms must be received by Old Park Meadow at least two working days before the burial is to take place.
Ashes must be interred and cannot be scattered anywhere on the grounds.
Embalming is not permitted due to the use of harmful chemicals.
Most traditional solid wooden coffins (not chipboard) can be buried at Old Park Meadow, as well as those made of willow, seagrass, cardboard, bamboo, and other eco-friendly materials. They must not be decorated with any oil-based paints and as far as possible, the use of preservatives is discouraged.
We cannot bury metal caskets or zinc-lined coffins and do not permit non-degradable linings or plastic. All handles and name plates must be biodegradable. Linings, and pillows should be made from and stuffed with natural fibres
Coffins exceeding 2 metres in length or 65cm in width will incur a £100 surcharge to cover additional grave preparation costs.
Burial clothes must be made of natural fibres, such as cotton, wool, and linen. They should not include artificial materials such as plastic, synthetic linings, buttons, or zips.

Memorials, Flowers, and Tributes

You are welcome to bring flowers from your garden or a florist. Click here for a list of florists that offer floral tributes for woodland and meadow settings.
Cut flowers may be laid on graves at the time of the burial and will be collected every Wednesday morning. Any floral tributes containing oasis, plastic, wire, ribbon, foil, or tape will be removed immediately.
Ornaments, greetings cards, photographs, balloons, lanterns, toys, vases, and other such items are not permitted and will be removed immediately.
We do not allow edging, fencing, stones, flowerpots, stakes, ropes, ties, or other such garden items.
We allow wooden grave markers to be placed on a burial or ash interment plot. Slate plaques can be engraved and placed in our oak memorial frame or on one of our oak posts. All memorials must be purchased through Old Park Meadow Burial Ground.

Ground Maintenance

No gardening of the woodland, meadows, graves, or any part of the grounds is permitted, including the picking of wildflowers and fungi.
Grass pathways are cut when necessary and other areas are cut yearly to allow wildlife habitats to remain undisturbed.
To protect native species, planting of any kind or the scattering of seeds is not permitted.

Site Rules

Smoking is only permitted in the car park, and we ask that you take your cigarette butts away with you.
Barbeques are not permitted at Old Park Meadow.
Dogs must remain on a short lead at all times. Owners assume responsibility for cleaning up after their dog and must be respectful of all burial plots.
Please respect the privacy of other visitors and ensure that mobile and electronic devices are switched off or set to silent mode.
You have total control of your service, but any ceremony performed at Old Park Lodge or graveside must be dignified.

Access

On-site car parking is available with designated spaces for disabled visitors.
No vehicles, including bicycles, are permitted beyond the car park.
When the office is closed, the main gates (allowing vehicle entry) will be locked. Pedestrian access is available out of hours, from dawn to dusk.

These rules are enforced on a day-to-day basis. Any unauthorised items will be removed swiftly to protect the surrounding wildlife and to preserve the natural beauty of the grounds for all who visit.

If you have further questions about the rules at Old Park Meadow, visit our FAQs page or get in touch with a member of our team.

Testimonials

“I can’t say how grateful I am for their love and care – there are no words. They also run so many events to help keep you stay connected if that’s what you want. Amazing place with amazing people. Would give them higher than 5* if could.”

C.A.

“Sincere thanks to everyone at Old Park Meadow for their outstanding professional and kind support; and for helping us to arrange such a beautiful Celebration of Life for our son. Old Park Meadow is such a beautiful and peaceful place and the staff are wonderful. The service was exactly what we wanted and so many people who were there have told us how impressed they were both with the service and the venue. I would not hesitate to recommend Old Park Meadow to anyone seeking a natural burial for a loved one.”

K.B.

“Just a few lines to thank you all for your help yesterday. The professional way you approached everything was highly commendable. It made a grim day much brighter.”

S.T.

“I just wanted to thank you both so much for all your help, kindness and professionalism. The whole family are so grateful, that with your help we were able to say goodbye to our dad in such a beautiful way. It has helped so much to know that he is laid to rest in a place that he would’ve loved. I imagine that you both go well beyond your job description! You have helped us through a very stressful and difficult time with such thoughtfulness, consideration and care and I truly thank you so much for making such a sad time, when you can’t think straight, bearable.”

C.D.

“We would like to thank you for the fantastic service you provided last Tuesday. Everything was perfectly organised and we were especially grateful for being so accommodating. We consider ourselves very lucky to have found your Lodge and the service you offer which was just right for our needs. We were also blessed with a glorious sunny day! The acoustics and afternoon tea were also great and please pass on our thanks to the caterers.”

J.M.

“Such a lovely place for Mum’s final resting place. Just what she wanted with a wonderful service, Delyse and all the staff were so understanding.”

S.P.

“We were very pleased to find Old Park Meadow as a resting place for my mother who wanted a woodland burial. The location is beautiful, and the service room is both beautiful and uplifting. It is very well run and organised. The emphasis here is on natural, and much attention has been given to planting and conservation. The planting is relatively recent, so trees are still young, but will obviously mature over time. Costs were reasonable, and clearly set out. My sisters and I looked at several other natural burial grounds, but this was a clear first choice for us.”

D.P.

My family and I chose Old Park Meadow to hold my late brothers funeral service. It was without a doubt the right choice, both the chapel and grounds are beautiful, and brought a definite sense of calm and peace to the occasion. Delyse is a pleasure to deal with, and nothing was too much trouble for her. I would have no hesitation in recommending Old Park Meadow for any occasion. Thank you so much for making a difficult time a lot easier.

A.C.

“Thank you Delyse for assisting us in making our small service for my Mum’s internment perfect, my Mum enjoyed nature of all aspects and all it’s beauty and oak park meadow is such a perfect place for her final resting place. I cant wait to see how things grow and change and Mum’s tree flourish in all its beauty and the wildlife that makes it there new home over the years as i visit my mum over the years to come with my family.”

K.F.

“What a beautiful place, from the minute I drove down the drive I knew it was going to be nice, but when you get out of the car and see the stunning views and beautiful building it’s something else. Really tranquil and welcoming. Attention to detail is outstanding, well done to all those involved.”

L.T.

“Truly Beautiful setting. Vast amount of memorial options at this gorgeous nature reserve. Very lovely welcoming and extremely helpful staff that made laying our amazing mummy to rest, much more bearable.”

S.W.

“What a wonderful place – so peaceful and beautiful inside and out. A pleasure to meet Delyse and look forward to working with you in the future.”

K.W.C.

“We have received so many lovely comments about Mum’s service on Tuesday – and everybody I spoke to commented on the beautiful setting. Thanks once again for your help in making it the wonderful tribute that Mum deserved.”

K.M.

“A beautiful and tranquil place. I feel peaceful knowing mum is here. Delyse was incredibly thoughtful and supportive. I was touched by how she helped us include four very small grandchildren in a gentle, loving and practical way to help them say goodbye to Nana.”

R.L.

“Thank you for yesterday. The burial ground is so beautiful and peaceful, it was a privilege to be able to lay dad to rest somewhere so pretty. Being able to hear the sheep in the background and knowing that some of dads younger years were in rural Yorkshire (very much sheep country) was lovely and emphasised the peace of the setting. And so in keeping with his wishes to return to nature in death. It’s comforting to know he would have loved the site, we can imagine him off sunbathing in the long grass.”

Green Burial and Interment Rules