A guide to organising a funeral at Pentiddy

Attending a burial

In order that the the necessary information is disseminated to friends and family attending a funeral please view our attending a funeral page and share the link.

Viewing the Site

Please phone to make an appointment to meet one of us on site to discuss your idea for the funeral and to choose a plot. Our plot map (link opens a PDF) shows both the original woodland area and the new wildflower meadow. You are welcome to choose a plot anywhere within either area. The woodland map shows the proposed canopy of trees relative to each plot but please note each individual plot will not be marked by a tree and all available tree plots are now taken.

Our services

We do not provide a funeral director service but are happy to work alongside your chosen funeral director (if you choose to use one). Each burial is unique and individually tailored to the requirements of the family or the specific wishes of the deceased.

We are happy to support those families who choose to carry out the whole or part of the funeral themselves. We can offer assistance both beforehand and on the day. Please see our document on family led funerals if you are not intending to use the services of a funeral director.

The service/ceremony

Some families have a service elsewhere before they come for the burial. Other families prefer to hold the service at the graveside or at the stone circle near the entrance or not to have a service or ceremony at all. Please note we do not arrange funerals for Sundays and there is an extra charge for Saturday funerals.

We welcome people of all beliefs and none, enabling you to choose the most appropriate way of conducting the funeral. Many people use a representative of their religion, but you could also use a non-religious celebrant, a friend or family member. We can provide contacts and advice.

Roundhouse Hire

The roundhouse is not part of the burial site and is a short walk away. It is possible to transport a coffin to it in most cases. However in very wet conditions the paths can get very slippery and this should be considered if you wish to use it for a funeral.
There is no charge for using the roundhouse but it is privately owned so we do ask for a donation towards its upkeep.
We are also happy to supply a fire-bowl and firewood for a fire either inside or outside the roundhouse and canvas walls to keep out the weather. These are also on a donation basis.

The area in which the roundhouse is situated is open to the public but can be booked for the whole day if you want to have a private gathering. Between the roundhouse and the burial site is an Oak glade which is also available for use if you would prefer. Please see this page for further details about the Roundhouse.

Toilet

There is a new disabled access composting toilet in the neighbouring Tregovenek community garden. This will be available for use for funeral attendees.

Parking

There is a car park for 15 cars and further roadside parking for around 20 cars. If you anticipate many attendees, please try and arrange to share travel to the site. We will always be there to assist with parking on the day of a funeral.

Coffins and shrouds

As a natural burial site, we only accept fully biodegradable natural coffins, shrouds or Urns.
For further information please visit our coffins and shrouds page.

Bier / Funeral Cart

We have an re-purposed and restored Chelsea market cart we use as a Bier for transporting a coffin or shroud. It does need several people to propel it, but it provides an alternative to carrying by hand.
Use of the Bier for a funeral is £50

Embalming

Because this is a natural burial site we do not accept embalmed bodies. This is also sometimes called ‘hygienic treatment’.
Please make sure this is clear with your funeral director.

Graves

As we intend that the woodland naturalises over time we do not preserve the identity of individual graves, and we do not allow permanent grave markers.  However a plan of the site showing plot locations is supplied to each family and is also available here.

Families are welcome, with supervision, to back-fill the grave themselves.

Flowers

We ask that all plastic, ribbons, oasis and other non-degradable materials are removed from floral tributes before placing on a grave. Cut flowers may be placed on the grave at any time.

When in season Tregovenek community garden next to the burial site has flowers available on their stall.

If you would like other locally produced options please have a look at Pottery and Posies and Trelowen.

Planting on Graves

We welcome the planting of native wildflowers on graves. However our terms and conditions state that we will remove everything that isn’t native. It’s not a job we enjoy as we recognise that all planting here is done with love and care. So if you are uncertain about what you are planting, please do check with us first so that we can talk it over with you. We totally understand that it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference, especially with species like bluebells and daffodils. Sometimes even garden centres are not clear about what they are selling. Our advice is that it’s always better to purchase bulbs and plants from a specialist wildflower nursery which you can find on the internet.

There is a wildflower guide to help if you are unsure of what is considered native. We appreciate your co-operations with this.

Pre-purchase Plots

When you purchase a plot at Pentiddy Natural Burials you are purchasing the ‘right of burial’ in that plot only and as such this does not confer ownership of the ground or any other rights. There is no time limit on a purchase. Once paid for, the right of burial remains with you indefinitely.

Important notes

The following points are part of our terms and conditions and by choosing a burial here you agree to them.

• We reserve the right to refuse burial if the coffin or shroud are not fully bio-degradeable.
• No body shall be buried unless the death has been registered and the proper documentation supplied.
• We will remove any grave markers and unsuitable items from graves (including stones).
• No cremated remains shall be buried without permission.
• Scattering of ashes is not permitted anywhere on the site.
• We will remove any non-native or unsuitable plants.