— General Questions
Yes, you can reserve any tree onsite and we will identify it with a unique reference code. Some people like to reserve a tree for themselves and come to visit to watch it thrive over time.
This is dependent on the species, please see our ‘trees’ section for a description of the different trees within the woodland.
There is no specific procedure when you arrive at Memotrees. We will discuss with you, prior to the planting or dedication, about your preferred format. We do not provide big marques or ceremonies at the woodland. The planting is informal and the intention is to allow you the time to remember your loved one. Carl or Karen will meet with you and your family if you wish at the entrance, at this point your chosen tree or new sapling will have been prepared and the plaque will be next to it. If ashes are to be buried, then roots of the tree will be exposed and either we or you can place the ashes with the roots and cover. Biodegradable urns for this purpose can be purchased in our shop.
Yes, anytime during daylight hours, 365 days a year. We ask that dogs are kept on a lead and all litter and dog foul is taken away with you. We do not have litter bins in the burial ground.
In the unfortunate / unlikely event that your dedicated tree does not survive, another sapling will be planted in the same place at no extra cost.
Yes, you can leave flowers with the tree or plant native wild flowers next to your tree. We like to keep the woodland free from plastic wrappings and non-perishable items. The idea is to create a totally natural forest where both plants and animals can thrive. Non-perishable items will be removed.
Yes, provided the trees / locations you choose have not already been reserved.
10 years after we have planted the last tree in each copse of the woodland the plaques will be removed and the site will become a completely natural forest.
Yes, these are available to purchase in our shop.
— Natural Burials
We can arrange full burials in the meadow area and burials of cremated remains in the new woodland area or in the meadow. Scattering of ashes can take place on the hillside, in the meadow or down by the river.
Yes, our burial grounds are open to all religions and to those of no religion. We can help you arrange a celebrant but at the moment no other facilities are available on site, although we do plan to build a wooden cabin with seating etc in the future. Tea rooms, restaurants and hotels are available very close by. We are happy to advise.
Yes, you are welcome to meet with us at the burial ground and choose your plot. Once paid for the only other charge will be an interment fee which will be paid at the time of need.
Coffins need to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable so need to be made from materials such as cardboard, seagrass, bamboo or willow. We also allow shroud burials.
No, we do not permit embalming.
No but your loved one will need to be cared for between the time of death until the funeral. We can help and advise you this this.
Go elsewhere. It is your right to ‘shop around’ as with any other type of service. We are passionate that our families have a funeral as unique and special as their loved one.
We request clothing only of natural fibres and without shoes or boots.
For environmental reasons all graves are dug at single depth. However, adjoining graves can be purchased to ensure a family remain together, where available. We therefore recommend that adjoining, or multiple family plots, be purchased at the same time.
Absolutely not! Our families are welcome to take and stay for as long as they’d like and can return at any time during daylight hours to visit.
The ‘ICCM Charter for the bereaved choosing Natural Burial – Guiding Principles’ states that immediately after the mourners have left the graveside the grave shall be entirely backfilled and made tidy. This work is completed on the day of the funeral. Yes, this can be done with the family present and indeed they can be involved. However, we do request that we are advised of this before the funeral takes place to ensure we are prepared.
Yes, memorial trees, certificates and plaques are available to purchase in our shop.
No, there are no ongoing charges or expenses.
No, graves will never be re-used.
We have a site plan for each copse and complete a burial register. All graves are electronically tagged and marked with a Lakeland slate memorial plaque.
Individual graves can be blessed should you wish but there are no marked areas for specific religions.
Yes, we recommend simple arrangements without florists ribbon, cellophane, oasis etc. However, we realise that some will include these items as part of a tribute so we will allow such arrangements to remain on the grave for approximately a week before removing them.
Only plants and bulbs of native species such as Primroses, Celandines, and Violets which are in keeping with a woodland setting can be planted. However, the grave cannot be manicured or personalised as we wish to ensure the burial ground is kept as natural as possible. Additional items should as wind chimes and solar powered lights for example, will be removed.
All areas of our burial grounds will be returned to nature.
Unfortunately not as there is evidence that these can harm local wildlife, fish and farm animals as well as resulting in litter.
