Narrative

Below is the Ministry of Justice's list of the most usual subjects that the public will require information on in order for them to make a proper decision:

1. Description of the site (topography) - the burial ground is an undulating, generally west-sloping meadow, typical of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which it lies. Cars are parked close to the entrance on each side of a crushed-stone surfaced track at the bottom of the orchard area currently being restored.

2. Location (including directions or a map on how to locate the cemetery and details of any public transport links) - Locations Page

3. Site Owner (including information on whether the site is freehold or leasehold. If the latter also state how long the lease runs for) - Freeholder: Janet Cross, Leaseholder: Native Woodland Ltd, Lease term 99 years from 2014.

4. Site Operator (including contact details) - Leedam Natural Heritage, the trading name of Native Woodland Ltd,
26 Agincourt Square, Monmouth, NP25 3BT; tel 01600 716438

5. Type of plots available (including plot options, cremation options, whether or not plots can be purchased in advance) - plots for natural burial, interment of ashes and areas for the scattering of ashes. Grouped plots will be located together.

6. Burial rights (including time limits) - you purchase the right to be buried in the burial meadow; no time limits apply other than the end of the lease term after which the company's right to use the land for new burials ceases (unless the term is extended by agreement with the landowner). - Burial Contract T&C's

7. Pets (including where they can be buried and licences required) - the cremated remains of pets can be interred with the burial or interment of the pet's owner - no fee applies.

8. Gravedigging Undertaken by our nominated grave digger Arrangements are made by Native Woodland Ltd - tel 01600 716438; families may backfill to cover the coffin if they wish to do so, after which the grave digger will take over and compact the soil then continue the backfilling in well compacted layers. The meadow turf is reinstated after the grave is refilled.

9. Embalming (including whether embalmed bodies are acceptable for burial, level and types of chemicals permitted) - Embalmed remains are only accepted for burial in exceptional circumstances (such as repatriation or on medical advice). The reason for this is to avoid introducing toxic chemicals into the environment.

10. Memorials (including types available, suppliers, term of years, approved designs, tree planting schemes, memorial books, websites, benches) - Memorials Page

11. On site facilities - car parking only; shelter, rooms, chapels, toilets, mortuary facilities, are not provided - the local planning authority refused development of these facilities in the AONB.

12. Funeral services (including options available) - we encourage family led funerals and can recommend local funeral directors who are knowledgeable about and in tune with the objectives of the burial ground. - The Funeral Service - Choosing A Funeral Director

13. Coffins (including types of materials allowed in their construction) - coffins and shrouds of natural, earth-friendly materials such as willow, bamboo, sustainably sourced timber, wool, cardboard etc. - Coffins Page

14. Details of the future of the site, its maintenance and management - the burial ground has a sustainable future as valuable agricultural pasture or haymeadow.