List of Natural Burial Grounds
Westmill Woodland Burial Ground CIC, Watchfield, Oxfordshire
Regional Winner in Central England in The People's Awards for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK 2022 and Runner Up in 2013, 2021 and 2023
“It’s amazing really isn’t it. We have all been through the same sad experience and yet here we are all talking and laughing. That’s what this place is all about isn’t it?” Recent comment at one of our events. Westmill Woodland Burial Ground is a simple 3-acre site in the midst of our organic farm on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border. It has magnificent views up to the Downs and the ancient Uffington White Horse and is surrounded by rolling farmland which has been farmed by Adam’s family for three generations. We have been monitoring the bird population and plant species and are delighted to see a steady increase in biodiversity on the site. We plant a variety of native trees and an area of open meadow. There is a small Roundhouse suitable for ceremonies or for sitting and listening to the larks or having a picnic. We are a Community Interest Company which means we run as a not-for-profit organisation supporting the bereaved and giving people clear information about death and dying. We hold regular events throughout the year helped by our Friends and Family group, and we send out bi-annual newsletters to keep people in touch with what is happening. There are no individual memorials on plots, but a shared memorial stone has been placed in our grass circle and spiralling around it are small individual Welsh slate memorial tablets flat to the ground. Liz Rothschild who set up the burial ground with her partner Adam Twine, is a celebrant but there is no expectation that you have to use her services when coming to Westmill. If you have feed back on this site please complete our Feedback form
Website
www.woodlandburialwestmill.co.uk
Contact Liz Rothschild and Becky Norman
Site Address nr Westmill Farm
B4508
Town Watchfield
County Oxfordshire
Telephone 01367 700615
Correspondence address Westmill Woodland Burial Ground, Westmill Farm, nr Watchfield Swindon SN6 8TH
Type of Plots Available
Natural burial plots
Combined burial and ashes plots
Interment of ashes
Price list is on website
Families can help to dig the grave
Families can backfill the grave
Memorials Separate memorial area
Disabled access
No appointment necessary to visit burial ground
Someone is available to guide visitors with appointment
Dogs on leads welcome
Visiting opening hours Burial ground 24/7 Office hours are Mon-Fri 10am-1pm. Emails and phone messages are picked up and responded to between these hours. If there is no answer during office hours we are probably at a funeral but will get back to you.
On site facilities Car Park, Shelter, Compost Loo, Accessible WC in nearby farmyard
You may choose whichever funeral director you wish
Friends and family can undertake all or part of the funeral service themselves
Completely natural, biodegradable coffin materials
The future of the site, its maintenance and management
ANBG Member
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The New Natural Death Handbook fifth edition is out now, this book is a must read for everyone. Completely revised and expanded into a boxed set of three books... Read more
Credit to Will Whipple (photographer) ______________
Links and Resources
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