Frequently asked questions

Hay Meadow Burial Ground is part of Busnant Farm which is owned by us, Richard & Sarah Vale. With the assistance of our 3 children, we help families create a special farewell, look after the burial ground and also take care of your loved ones.

We wish we could dig the graves completely by hand but we have attempted this in the past and, unfortunately, it is necessary for us to use a small digger to assist with removing the soil. We (Richard and Sarah) then fill the graves by hand as it is important for us to show total respect to the deceased.

Yes, graves can be chosen from any part of the meadow, but less so in the woodland and Silver Birch Glade as we are following a tree planting plan.

Yes, plots can be reserved as single, double or family plots. A Right of Burial Certificate will be issued for 30 years. Contact must be made during this timeframe to confirm whether the plot is still required and if so, the Certificate will then be re-issued at no further cost.

Any type of eco-friendly coffin or shroud can be used. Willow and cardboard coffins are a popular choice. All coffins and shrouds need to be sourced from a recommended Funeral Director or directly from Hay Meadow Burial Ground where we source quality coffins and shrouds at a reasonable price. Please contact us for further information about the selection of eco-friendly coffins and caskets which we have available.

Yes, we are registered to bury pet ashes. However, these can only be accommodated within a specific area due to regulations we have to adhere to. We have created a specific area in the corner of Busnant Wood which we have called Pets Corner.

The burial ground is not consecrated; we welcome any faith, religion or belief making it suitable for everyone. You are welcome to have a grave blessed by a minister of your choice if you wish.

None whatsoever. All maintenance is included in the one-off price.

No, we aim to only do one funeral per day as we do not want you to feel rushed.

Yes, you may choose to have a religious service. A Vicar of your choice will be made most welcome, or you may choose to have a one of our recommended celebrants who can include your religious beliefs. Further information is available on our website.

Yes, you can have the service of your choice. We have several recommended celebrants who will create a beautiful non-religious service to celebrate the life of your loved one.

It is not compulsory for you to attend the funeral. We are able to provide a direct funeral service and following your instructions, we can arrange for your wishes to be carried out in your absence.

As dog owners ourselves, we know they are often much loved members of the family.Dogs are welcome during the majority of the year . However, we cannot allow allow dogs on site (including the carpark area) when sheep are grazing during intervals in the spring and autumn. Signs will clearly be in place during this period. Please check before your planned visit. When dogs are visiting, we kindly ask that dogs are kept on a lead at all times including in the carpark area and any mess made is promptly cleaned up and filled doggy bags taken home. Thank you.

Hay Meadow Burials has its own large parking area and further parking areas are available close by if needed. The gated entrance to the site will easily accommodate a hearse. There is a space exclusively for hearse parking. If you let us know beforehand, we’ll do our best to reserve spaces for anyone who is disabled.

Yes of course, flowers can be brought but we kindly ask for them to be natural, no artificial flowers and all wrappers removed.When sheep are grazing, we also kindly ask for any flowers to be left by the memorial stone rather than the graveside as they could be poisonous to our sheep.  Please see our Terms and Conditions for further details.