Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow
The Burial Meadow sits within the 150 acre site founded on the core principles of sustainability, community and wellbeing.
Mary Cross is the Burial Meadow Manager
You can call her on 07899 065364 to arrange a visit
Or email her at burials@thoulstonepark.com
Our Aims
The Meadow at Thoulstone Park offers a unique resting place — one that nurtures both remembrance and renewal. Here, every farewell contributes to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity. In death, there is life.
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​Life at Thoulstone Park is vibrant and ever-present, from the richness of the surrounding ecology to the laughter of people enjoying games or sharing stories over a cup of tea.
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If you see life and death as two sides of the same coin, The Meadow at Thoulstone Park may be the perfect resting place for you or your loved ones.
Supporting rural life and the local economy
The burial meadow integrates with Thoulstone Park’s existing rural landscape, allowing continued sheep grazing in the meadow area designated for burials. This approach not only preserves the land’s rural character but also supports the local economy.
Funerals can be held with the support of established local services, or by yourselves with the simple freedom of choice, without necessity or formality. What matters is the intention: to return to the earth with dignity, in a way that respects both the departed and the living world.
The site is run by Mary Cross of Organic Matters who is passionate about bringing this aspect of Thoulstone Park to life! Mary also makes beautiful willow coffins in her peaceful workshop in Nunney where you are invited to take part in the process and weave your memories into a coffin for your loved one or for yourself.
Every element of the Meadow supports not only the land but also the livelihoods of local people — from coffin makers to florists and celebrants.
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By choosing a natural burial and using a sustainable, biodegradable coffin or shroud and locally grown flowers you are making one of the most environmentally conscious decisions possible.
Ecology
A natural burial is the most ecological funeral option available - an enduring, thoughtful legacy for future generations.
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​The burial area will be part of the larger Thoulstone Park Meadow, which supports livestock grazing and the conservation of local flora.
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Moreover, the natural burial area offers a space that fosters community well-being, encouraging engagement with nature, the outdoors and supporting mental health by providing a dedicated, serene setting for reflection and remembrance.
Families will have the option to plant memorial trees within designated areas as per the approved Thoulstone Park Master Plan, which enhances the existing landscape.
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In order for Thoulstone Park Natural Burial meadow to maintain a respectful space which allows nature to thrive we ask everyone to abide by our Rules and Regulations and by agreeing to these on your interment form you are entering into a burial contract with Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow.​​
How to proceed
FAQs
How will we find our grave?
The burial meadow has been digitally mapped. There are various methods available to locate a grave, you can choose the one that works best for you.
Do we need to use a funeral director?
There is no legal requirement to use a funeral director. As trained professionals they are able to organise the whole funeral for you. However if you would like to arrange the funeral yourselves you gain the freedom to create a deeply personal and meaningful farewell.​
What happens if the park is sold?
If the land was ever sold it would be highly unlikely that a change of use would be permitted for the burial area. There is a public footpath running through Thoulstone Park which would always allow a certain amount of access. The business ethos of Thoulstone Park is founded on sustainability, rejuvenation and renewal and sometimes that may involve impermanence as with the impermanence of life!
Can we buy a double plot?
Plots are sold as single plots and an adjacent second plot can be purchased in advance or at the time of a burial. Securing a plot in advance guarantees your choice of location. A plot can be reserved for one year.
Can I visit the burial meadow at anytime?
There is year round access to the burial meadow and the memorial board in the gathering area within the opening times of Thoulstone Park. There is a permissive public footbath providing access to the burial meadow and the gathering area.
What type of coffins or shrouds are permitted?
Everything placed in a grave must be made from natural materials such as willow (wicker), natural wood, cardboard or cloth. Everything must be biodegradable including clothing and coffin lining. No plastics, MDF, chipboard or plywood.
Can we spread ashes at Thoulstone Park?
We do not allow the spreading of ashes; this is known to significantly affect the alkalinity and sodium levels of surface soil which negatively affects local plant growth. Ashes can be interred in dedicated plots within the burial meadow in biodegradable urns or spread within the plot.
Can we have a memorial?
In order to maintain the natural state of the burial meadow graves are not marked. A slate plaque bearing the name of the disceased, date of birth and date of death can be purchased and displayed in our Memorial Board situated in the gathering area.
Contact Mary to arrange a visit
Where is Thoulstone Park Natural Burial Meadow?
Location
​​Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
We are 4.2 miles, about 10 minutes from Westbury or Frome train stations and from Bath station, 17 miles about 40 minutes.