The following regulations are made to enable the company to shape and preserve a natural area for the benefit of nature and for future generation of visitors. They are essential to combine a proper respect for the dead with a suitable management and planting programme in order to create an area that is peaceful, pleasant and ecologically rich. A fitting memorial to those buried here.
Trustees ask sincerely that all visitors treat the burial ground with care and respect so that it may become a place for quiet, personal reflection.
These regulations apply to the cemetery known as Eden Valley Woodland Burial Ground.
General Care and Behaviour
No seed may be scattered on the burial ground unless approved by the company. Many seeds sold commercially as wildflower or woodland mixtures have inappropriate species or hybrids within them or come from abroad.
Picking of flowers or shrubs or the unauthorised planting of any flowers or shrubs is prohibited because it will prevent the regeneration of a natural landscape. Non-native species will be removed. Construction or maintenance of flowerbeds 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. Visitors should take appropriate measures to prevent injury or poisoning from plants.
All visitors shall behave in a law abiding and appropriate manner.
Mobile phones should be turned to silent. No amplified music should be played except during funeral services.
Children must be supervised at all times. There are several water features on the site which are deep and have slippery edges.
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times. This is especially important as we are encouraging rare ground nesting birds to breed here. Eden Valley Burial Ground is crisscrossed by a network of permanent pathways. Some species are very sensitive to disturbance so please use the paths at all times.
Litter bins are not provided as we expect visitors to take their litter home, this includes any inappropriate plastic wrapping or fixings to floral tributes that extended family or friends may have unwittingly left on graves.
No grazing animals are allowed unless introduced by the management for conservation purposes. No shooting or hunting is permitted.
The burial ground is being redeveloped to encourage a natural landscape therefore the erection of any monuments, markers, crosses, kerbs, fence or railing will not be permitted. This was a condition when gaining our planning permission.
The placing of bird-boxes or seating is only permitted with the strictest guidance and according to availability. Vases sunk discreetly into the soil can drown small animals and will be removed.
Although the greatest care is taken to safeguard the well-being of all the trees, some will fail to thrive and others will need management, including coppicing. We reserve the right to carry out any remedial work.
Only loose cut flowers should be placed on the graves. No plastic packaging should be left and bunches of flowers may not be tied to trees or guards. Nor can any decorative items be hung from trees.
Terms and Conditions Regarding the Funerals
Bodies should be not be embalmed (be free of litres of toxic chemicals; sometimes called hygienic treatment). Good funeral directors will have refrigerated facilities and this process is not necessary or required by law even if you wish to visit or view the deceased.
All coffins and their linings should be sustainably produced from natural, biodegradable materials. These coffins and shrouds are quite mainstream these days and all good funeral directors can source them.
No grave goods should be buried that will release toxins into the soil, batteries for example.
The body should be clothed in natural fibres and wrapped in degradable cloth.
More Information
If you are unsure about anything please have a chat with the staff. Telephone 07802 630012
No remains shall be removed from any grave in the burial ground, once interred, without a licence from the secretary of State under section 25 or the Burial Act 1857.