NATURAL BURIAL MEADOW

Usk Castle Chasenatural burial meadow

The meadow at Usk is a peaceful,

natural place. Somewhere special to

spend time listening to the birdsong

in the surrounding woodland and

taking in the fine views that stretch

across the valley to the hills beyond.

A place of escape, away from it all.

The peace of the countryside

The meadow was chosen because it has something special about it; a place to pause and rest in the heart of the Monmouthshire countryside.

In the trees, on a bank alongside the meadow, the oak-framed memorial shelter offers somewhere to gather.

01600 716438 www.usknaturalburials.co.uk

Your choice will help preserve the historic landscape for future generations and will contribute to the lifecycle of the earth; it will also have helped to make the experience of loss far gentler, more uniting and manageable for your family and loved ones.

Simple, natural and beautifulNatural burials can sometimes make the experience of loss gentler, more uniting and more manageable for the family. Organise the day exactly as you’d like it, be yourself completely and we will offer inspiration, support and guidance.

The graves occupy landscape that will remain as you see it now, for future generations. Their positions are precisely recorded so no headstones are required.

How it works

Natural burial is the most ecological funeral option, a thoughtful legacy for future generations. Being fully sustainable, the meadow will remain as it is now, permanent pasture - real, farmed countryside.

Practicalities

We recommend stout footwear as the ground may be uneven. A foldable chair is a good idea for those who find it difficult to stand. And remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong sort of clothes...

In advance• Visit the burial meadow and spend

time there getting to know it and choose the area that’s right for you.

• Download an application form from our website, or phone us and we’ll send you an information pack.

• You can pay for pre-purchases by standing order over 10 or 20

At the time of the funeral• Complete an interment form to let us

know your plans for the day so that we can help you achieve your wishes.

• You can make the arrangements and payments yourself or your funeral director can do this for you.

• Burials can take place between 10am-3pm. Weekends are also possible.

NS

W

E

< Towards Usk

Alder Grove

Lower Meadow

Memorial shelter and plaques

Parking

Sedge Bank

North Oak

Monmouth RdEntrance

Beech

Larch Side

FlowersInstead of the usual arrangements, try a simple posy of flowers from your garden, a couple of leeks from the veg patch or a hand-tied bouquet from one of the growing number of florists who source locally. Scatter single stems or petals into the grave as a tribute.

MemorialsInside the memorial shelter, oak plaques are mounted between the rafters to commemorate the names and dates of the people buried in the meadow.

More time and space

Organise the day exactly as you would like it to be, with the freedom to be yourselves completely.

Bring the dogs, which have often been constant companions and offer comfort at difficult times.

More time and spaceBring the dogs, which have often been constant companions and offer comfort at difficult times.

The meadow is tranquil and private. An unhurried and gentle place to get away from it all.

Afterwards it is a place of escape; somewhere quiet to take one step at a time, close to wildlife, with your memories, throughout the seasons.

FlowersIn natural surroundings flower arrangements should not include any wire, plastics or oasis. Perhaps include a couple of leeks from the veg patch or a hand-tied bouquet from florists who source locally. You may like to scatter single stems or petals into the grave.

““ Seriously I am so glad we decided to go down this ‘green’ route, it is a lovely spot and even on a cloudy day it was very peaceful.

Who you’ll meet at the burial meadowRosie Humphreys, the landowner and custodian, looks after the burial meadow along with a small team of helpers. They are always happy to meet you there, to walk round with you and talk about what works well. One of them will also be there on the day of the funeral.

Rosie lives with her family and their dogs and horses at nearby Usk Castle House. She farms the land and often rides in and around the meadow to keep an eye on things.

Memorial plaques

Simple oak comemorative plaques fit between the rafters within the memorial shelter.

We have installed survey points, like the one shown here, at regular intervals around the burial ground. The precise position of each grave is measured from these. We provide families with a plan to show the location of the grave and the measurements.

We also provide Latitude and Longitude GPS coordinates and a QR code so that you can use your smartphone to point you in the right direction. If you have any problems, just let us know and we’ll help or flag the spot for you.

turningpath

A3

AB2

B3

BC2

gate

40.74

33.33

10.5

3

turning

Y

path

parking

top gate

here

oak memorial shelter

Quarry

path

no intermentsin this area

A2 A3

AB1 AB2

B1 B2 B3

BC1 BC2

C3C2C1

CD1 CD2

D1 D2 D3

DE2DE1

E1 E2 E3

F2F1

H2

G2G1

H1

gate

40.74

33.33

10.5

3

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Grave location plan for Jonathan PERROTT

USK CASTLE CHASEMONMOUTHSHIRE

Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to see the grave location plotted on a map or enter the x + y co-ordinates at www.gridreferencefinder.com

National Grid Co-ordinates X: 338836 Y: 202296

Finding the Spot

www.usknaturalburials.co.uk

OfficeLeedam Natural Heritage 26 Agincourt Square Monmouth, NP25 3BT t. 01600 716438 e. info@leedam.com

CustodianRosie Humphreys t. 01291 672563 e. rosie@uskcastle.com

Burial GroundUsk Castle ChaseUsk, MonmouthshireNP15 1QX

Leedam Natural Heritage is a trading name of Native Woodland Ltd, registered in Scotland

Company No. SC240278

Monmouth

To Cardiff M4 Bristol Channel

River S

ever

n

Brecon Beacons National Park

Wye Valley AONB

Newport

Cwmbran

Abergavenny

To Bristol

Merthyr Tydfil

Caerphilly

Blackwood

Chepstow

A48

River UskRiver Wye

A44

9

A4042

A470

Heads of the Valleys Rd

A40

A472

A472

Usk Monmouth Rd

Raglan

The meadow is located on the Monmouth Rd between Usk and Raglan.

Usk M5

M4

A449