SHEEPDROVE
NATURAL BURIAL GROUND
Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Natural Burial Ground
Lambourn, Berkshire,
RG17 7UU
Tel: 01488 674747
www.sheepdrove.com/naturalburials
About our Natural Burial Ground
Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground is situated at the heart of our organic farm within an Area of Oustanding
Natural Beauty, high up on the ancient Berkshire Downs above Lambourn.
The Natural Burial Ground is a new enterprise which complements the farm owners’ commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Powered by wind and solar, the 2500 acre organic working farm produces both livestock and arable crops, while providing wildflower meadows, woodlands and wetlands to encourage
diversity of wildlife.
Visitors to our burial ground are welcome to come and go as they please all year round - there are no restrictions. The paths through the woodland create a lovely place for a peaceful stroll, or you can walk along the
byways which converge at the entrance to the burial ground and which offer beautiful views for peaceful
contemplation.
Sheepdrove’s natural burial ground is 4.5 acres of deciduous woodland, planted with native trees and sheltered
by mature hedgerows, with stunning, far-reaching views of organic meadows and the surrounding valleys. Under
the trees, native wildflwers provide a habitat for a variety of bees and wildlife. The site allows full burial and
ashes interment in an undisturbed final resting place.
Everyone is welcome at Sheepdrove; we embrace all faiths and no faith, any type of ceremony or no ceremony the choice is yours.
Should you require catering, the stunning Eco-Conference Centre can accommodate any number of guests and
is the perfect place to celebrate a life. Accommodation is also available on the farm.
Sheepdrove provide a personal and sensitive service to help you navigate this difficult time.
About Sheepdrove Organic Farm and Eco-Conference Centre
We know what a difficult time this is for people; the death of a loved
one takes us into unfamiliar territory at a time when we are most
vulnerable. We provide a sensitive and highly personal service, able to
advise and co-ordinate as much, or as little, as you require, and are able
to put you in touch with other relevant professionals.
Families and friends are welcome to meet before or after the burial
at Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre, just shy of a mile from the
burial ground. This is a wonderful setting in which to celebrate a life.
The centre has five versatile rooms, from small intimate spaces to our
vaulted, cathedral-like Oak Room which can accommodate 150 guests.
We can provide simple refreshments or cater for formal dining. From
here we are also able to offer tractor and trailer transport to and from
the burial site.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to bury my loved one outside of a conventional cemetery?
Absolutely 100% legal. (It is actually legal to be buried in your own garden if you wish, as long as certain guidelines are followed.)
Is Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground consecrated?
No. Consecrated ground is dedicated as ‘sacred’ (usually) by a specific religion. Sheepdrove Natural Burial
ground is open to people of all faiths, or no faith.
Do I have to use a Funeral Director?
No. Many people choose to make all of the arrangements themselves although some prefer the support of a
professional. A good Funeral Director or Undertaker will provide as much or as little help as you require. Do I have to have a funeral service?
You do not have to have any service at all although most people choose some form of ceremony to mark the
burial of a loved one.
Can you help me organise the funeral?
Although we are not funeral directors ourselves, we are able to put you in touch with relevant professionals and
will support you to ensure that all goes smoothly.
Can I hold a wake or life celebration at Sheepdrove?
Yes, Sheepdrove’s Eco-Conference Centre can accommodate a wide range of catering options for mourners,
from a simple cup of tea to formal seated dining for up to 150 guests. Please contact Alli for more details
01488 674747
Is the burial ground officially regulated?
We are a member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds.
Is the future of Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground secured?
The burial ground is held in trust by the Sheepdrove Trust for the long-term future. Should the burial ground
ever cease to operate or reach maximum capacity, it will be set aside as a nature reserve.
Will the burial plot I purchase ever be reused?
No.
Can I inter the ashes of my loved one at Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground?
Yes.
What burial materials are permitted at Sheepdrove?
Only 100% bio-degradable materials are allowed to be buried. Wool, cotton, wicker, cardboard are all
acceptable. You do not need to use a coffin; many people prefer to use a shroud.
Can I have a memorial to my loved one at Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground?
Our native woodland is intended as a natural living memorial and so, in order to preserve the natural beauty of
the space, no memorials are permitted except for cut natural flowers or planted wildflowers. See below.
Can I place or plant flowers at Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground?
Yes, you can. Cut flowers in their natural state can be placed on graves providing they are free of all wrapping,
pots, ribbons etc. Plants or bulbs must be native to the British Isles. Please ask for more information.
Can I plant a memorial tree?
Because the site is a native woodland, there is no availability for additional trees.
Can I be buried with my loved one when I die?
Plots can be purchased next door to one another. We are unable to accommodate two bodies in one grave.
Can my pet be buried with me?
Yes, but due to UK tax laws regarding pets, we have to levy 20% VAT on our costs.
Can I access the burial ground at any time?
Yes, our site is open 24 hours, all year round.
When I visit can I bring my dog onto the site?
Yes, provided you keep them on a lead at all times. It is important that you clean up any mess your pet makes.
(NB there are no litter bins)
PLEASE SEE OUR FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Terms and Conditions
Theses terms and conditions do not create any right of exclusive occupation or any freehold
interest in the land by you as the plot holder. Sheepdrove is a member of The Natural Burial
Ground Association.
These terms and conditions have been devised to ensure that the Sheepdrove Woodland Burial
Ground remains as wild and natural as possible. The site will be maintained to ensure full access,
whilst maintaining the wild nature of the site. It is a natural burial ground and not treated or
managed as a garden.
We ask that when you are visiting the burial ground you are sensitive to others, enabling
everyone to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the site. All dogs to be kept on leads and all
litter taken away with you.
Please read all Terms & Conditions carefully prior to agreeing to and signing this document.
You, as the plot holder agree to the following:
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To use a biodegradable coffin/shroud made with natural materials
Not to embalm the body
Not to clear undergrowth or bring soil or additional materials to the site
Not to plant anything without consulting Sheepdrove in the first instance
Not to place any permanent signs or features on the plot
No plastic coverings or artificial flowers/ribbons to be placed on the plot
Flowers can be left entirely in their natural state
Sheepdrove Organic farm & Natural Burial Ground agree to the following:
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To provide GPS markers to enable you to locate the section where your plot is situated
To maintain a map with plots marked on it for ease of location
To keep a burial register
To guarantee that a plot can be provided next to a loved one if required (note that it is not
possible to double dig a plot)
• To ensure that the maintenance of the site is set into perpetuity as a Memorial Woodland
Prices from January 2016
Burial Plot£750.00
Ashes Interment Plot£450.00
These charges are for interment rights only and do not include undertaking or grave digging fees.
Undertaking costs vary depending on choice of undertaker
Grave digging charges for burial £250.00
Ashes£ 80.00
None of the above costs are subject to VAT.
Payment to Sheepdrove Organic Farm(BACS transfer/Cheque)
Bank: Triodos Bank
Bank Address: Deaney Road, Bristol 5AS
Sort Code: 16-58-10
Account number: 20093446
Reference: Sheepdrove Organic Farm 20093446