Natural Burial Woodland
Returning all that we are to the soil
A Place of Shelter, Peace and Tranquility
Currently unable to accept *new bookings*
We are currently undergoing a routine audit of our Sheepdrove Natural Burial Woodland and are unable to accept new bookings at this time.
Existing Pre-needs Bookings will continue and be honoured.
If you have a loved one already interred in the Natural Burial Woodland and are seeking a plot within the same burial ground, please get in contact with us. We will do our best to prioritise these requests, though we cannot guarantee availability at this time.
Sheepdrove Natural Burial Woodland
Sheepdrove’s Burial Woodland sits high on the windswept chalk downland at the cross roads of four drovers’ ridgeways. This ancient and hallowed landscape is part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Visitors to our burial ground are welcome to come and go as they please all year round – there are no restrictions.
The paths through the woodland are perfect for a peaceful stroll while the network of ridgeways that converges at the gate to the burial wood affords a more bracing ramble – The Ridgeway itself, Britain’s oldest road, an ancient track which extends from Wiltshire along the ridge of the Berkshire Downs to the River Thames at Goring Gap, is within walkable distance along one of these drover’s waysides.
The burial ground itself is a broad leaf deciduous woodland sheltered by mature hedgerows of hawthorn, blackthorn and briar rose. A tapestry of native wildflowers – cowslips, wild orchids, oxeye daisies, red campion, lady’s bedstraw and devil’s bit scabious – flourish under the trees, providing sustenance and shelter for bees and other pollinators throughout spring and summer. It is a beautiful place to spend eternity.
The wood is surrounded by the two thousand acres of green pastures, wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and fields of heritage grains that make up Sheepdrove Organic Farm.
Sheepdrove welcomes everybody; we embrace all faiths and no faith, any type of ceremony or no ceremony – the choice is yours.
Our Natural Burial Woodland allows both full burial and ashes interment in an undisturbed final resting place.
An interment fee covers the cost of preparing the burial or ashes plot at the time of the funeral. As an additional service, we offer a tractor and trailer ride for up to 30 guests from Sheepdrove to the burial ground. Please note that burial fees are VAT exempt, whereas venue hire for the wake includes VAT.
Additionally, the Children’s Funeral Fund for England (CFF) provides funding for burial fees and some related expenses, including a contribution towards a coffin, shroud, or casket, for the funeral of a child under 18 or a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy. This support is not means-tested, meaning your income or savings will not impact the assistance available.
Burial Prices
Burial Plot ~ £1200
Child Burial Plot (under 12) ~ £600
Interment Fee ~ £700
Ashes Prices
Ashes Plot ~ £500
Interment Fee ~ £320
Please note that burial prices are VAT exempt, while venue hire prices for hosting the wake include VAT.
Celebration of Life Prices
Family and friends are very welcome to gather both before or after the burial at our sustainable green events’ venue on the farm where we can also host both intimate or larger celebrations of life and wakes. Find out more.
Green Venue, Full Day Hire, Exclusive Use; The Oak Room, Reception Hall, Library & Dining Hall (Capacity, 170)~ £1,500 (inc VAT)
Green Venue, Half Day Hire, Exclusive Use; The Reception Hall, Library & Dining Hall (Capacity, 30) ~ £800 (inc VAT)
Tractor & Trailer Ride (Capacity: up to 30) ~ £495 (inc VAT)
Stay With Us for the Funeral
We offer comfortable guest accommodation for up to 34 people, for those attending a funeral or visiting loved ones laid to rest in the burial wood.
You’re likely to have lots of questions. The following list may support your plans for a natural burial, do contact us if we can support you in any way.
A natural burial embraces all faiths, or no faith at all, allowing mourners perfect freedom to acknowledge and celebrate loved ones exactly as they wish. Bodies are committed to the land with minimal disturbance to the natural environment and with no lasting impact. Graves remain unmarked, (although plotted with a highly accurate geographic information system GIS), allowing the natural habitat to become a living memorial. More information on natural burials can be found at The Natural Death Centre www.naturaldeath.org.uk
No. Consecrated ground has been made or declared sacred or holy a specific religion. Sheepdrove’s Burial Woodland is open to people of all faiths, or no faith.
No. Many people choose to make all of the arrangements themselves although some prefer the support of a professional. A good funeral director or undertaker will provide as much or as little help as you require.
You do not have to have any service at all although most people choose to have some form of ceremony to mark the burial of a loved one.
Although we are not funeral directors ourselves, we are able to put you in touch with relevant professionals and will liaise appropriately to ensure that all goes smoothly.
Yes, Sheepdrove’s sustainable green venue can accommodate a wide range of catering options, from a simple cup of tea to formal seated dining for up to 150 guests. For more details please call 01488 674747 or info@sheepdrove.com or find out more.
We recommend starting at 11:30 AM to ensure guests arrive in good time. Please gather at the event venue, which provides parking for up to 100 cars. Since the burial wood entrance can only accommodate 20 cars, we encourage guests to carpool from the venue. Additionally, a tractor and trailer is available for hire, with space for up to 30 guests.
We are a member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds which has been established by The Natural Death Centre; this means we comply with the ANBG Code of Conduct aimed at ensuring the highest professional and environmental standards. We are also registered with the West Berkshire Council.
Sheepdrove’s Natural Burial Woodland is held in trust in perpetuity, that is, for an indefinitely long period of time. Should the burial ground ever cease to operate or reach maximum capacity, it will be set aside as a memorial woodland.
No, this will never happen. No burial plots will be re-used.
Yes, absolutely.
Only 100% bio-degradable materials may be buried. Wool, cotton, wicker and cardboard are all acceptable. It is important to select a coffin that is only made of natural, sustainable materials which will degrade safely without damaging the local environment. We do not insist on the use of coffins. Families may choose a shroud and something practical to carry or contain the body to the woodland area, such as a stretcher or wicker basket.
Our native woodland is intended as a living memorial and so, in order to preserve its natural beauty, no memorials are permitted in the wood except for cut natural flowers or planted wildflowers (see below for more details) or natural, native British and fully biodegradable small tributes hand crafted from willow or wood. The burial plot ought to be allowed to return to nature, not gardened and manicured, as we wish to ensure the burial wood remains as natural as possible for the benefit of the environment and all who visit.
Yes, you can plant native flowers. The woodland lies within the North Wessex Downs landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Flowers planted here are required to be a native variety appropriate to the landscape.
There is a wealth of naturally occurring wildflowers throughout the woodland, you are welcome to add directly to the burial mound with only the varieties of plants and bulbs listed below…
Native plants:
– wild primrose (Primula vulgaris) ONLY SOFT PALE YELLOW IN COLOUR
– cowslip (Primula veris)
– common dog violet (Viola riviniana)
– sweet violet, (Viola odorata)
– wood forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica)
– foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
– red campion (Silene dioica)
– bugle (Ajuga reptans)
– wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
Naturalising bulbs include:
– snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
– wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) please note: the wild daffodil is native unlike other common daffodils
– English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) NOT THE SPANISH VARIETY (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
As part of your burial plot, we include the scattering of Organic Certified Seeds on the burial mound and throughout the seasons, as part of your booking. Whether the seeds take or not is up to the woodland.
Cut flowers can be placed on graves providing they are free of all wrapping, containers, ribbons etc.
Sheepdrove Natural Burial Woodland is an existing established native woodland, the burial ground protects the woodland forever. A burial plot here is connected to all the trees within this woodland.
Sheepdrove Natural Burial Woodland is a living Woodland, and burials follow a natural sequence across the site – moving gradually from one side to the other. This approach protects the woodland ecology, reducing soil compaction and allowing flora and fauna to establish and thrive. For this reason, side-by-side burials are not available at Sheepdrove.
Pre-purchased plots are not offered at Sheepdrove, burial and ashes plots are arranged when the time comes. Families are welcome to inquire about being laid to rest in the same woodland as a loved one, at the time of death in accordance with last wishes.
Yes, Sheepdrove Natural Burial Wood is open 24 hours a day, every day, all year round.
Yes. Keep dogs on the lead and clean up any mess your pet makes.
Sheepdrove Natural Burial Woodland: Terms & Conditions
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. If you are not comfortable with the details below, a natural burial may not be right for you.
These grounds are maintained yet kept wild and natural, and are intended to be enjoyed for their natural beauty.
The grounds are open for public access at all times. If you are visiting a plot after some time has passed, we recommend booking a guided visit to help you find your way.
While visiting the Natural Burial Ground, we ask you to be sensitive to others, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the site. All dogs must be kept on leads, and all litter must be taken away with you.
As the plot holder, and on behalf of those who visit the grounds on your behalf, you agree to the following:
You Agree To The Following:
As the plot holder, and on behalf of those who visit the grounds on your behalf, you agree to the following:
- Use a coffin or shroud that is 100% biodegradable and made of natural materials.
- Do not embalm the body.
Memorials
- Do not clear undergrowth, bring in soil or other materials, or move wood, branches, logs, chalk or rocks onto plots. These natural materials provide natural habitats for really small creatures, which are disturbed when such items are moved within the grounds.
- Do not plant anything without first consulting Sheepdrove. We list native flowers that are permitted with our consent. The ecology within the woodland is delicate, though in the first years we encourage placing some native flowers on the plot to encourage growth after the earth has been moved – it’s also a beautiful, ceremonial way to remember loved ones.
- Avoid gardening the plot, as so the woodland can do its thing naturally. We carry out regular woodland maintenance for the overall health of the woodland.
- Each plot is assigned a wooden stake and number, which we will aim to maintain. No other marker will be permitted. This is so there is a natural feel in the woodland and every plot is fair.
- No permanent signs, features, plastic coverings, slate, or artificial flowers/ribbons may be placed on the plot.
- Any flowers placed on the plot must be entirely natural, without ribbons, string, or wrapping.
- Tributes must be natural, native British, and fully biodegradable – please see our list of recommended Natural Burial Suppliers for memorials. Small, handcrafted willow or wood wildlife sculptures are permitted. Any memorial item over 75cm (in height or width) will be removed – please contact us before commissioning anything.
- We understand that friends and family may bring non-biodegradable items without being aware of these terms. We therefore check the grounds regularly and reserve the right to maintain the space in line with these terms.
- Where an item does not comply with these terms, we will remove it, as too many items in there pose environmental, or habitat risk, items will be removed without prior notice.
No Pre-needs Service
You understand that Sheepdrove does not provide a pre-needs service. The burial woodland has a limited number of plots, and we are unable to reserve plots next to family members. This service existed prior to 2026 and had already reserved a large portion of plots within the burial woodland, so we no longer offer this. We now only assign burial plots at the time of death.
The Details:
The plot holder:
The “plot holder” is the individual who arranges the burial and is registered with us as the primary contact for the plot. Where a plot is arranged by more than one family member, we will treat the individual who completes the burial arrangement as the plot holder for the purposes of these terms, unless we are notified in writing of an alternative arrangement.
The plot holder is responsible for ensuring that family and friends visiting the plot are made aware of, and comply with, these Terms and Conditions. Sheepdrove will correspond with the plot holder only, and it is the plot holder’s responsibility to keep other interested family members informed.
Right of burial:
These Terms and Conditions grant a right of burial in the plot only, for perpetuity, for as long as the land continues to be maintained as a natural burial ground. They do not create any right of exclusive occupation, tenancy, or freehold interest in the land for the plot holder.
Exhumation:
Exhumation is rarely permitted and, in England and Wales, requires a licence from the Ministry of Justice (or a Faculty from the Church of England where the ground is consecrated). Sheepdrove will support the licensing process where required but cannot authorise or carry out exhumation independently of the appropriate legal permission. Please contact us directly if this applies to your circumstances.
Fees:
Burial fees cover the right of burial and ongoing maintenance of the site in perpetuity. Fees are payable at the time of burial arrangement and are non-refundable once the burial has taken place, except where required by law. A schedule of current fees is available on request.
Site access and closure:
The woodland is normally open to the public at all times. However, we may temporarily restrict or close access to all or part of the site where necessary for safety, land management, flooding, severe weather, biosecurity, or farm operations. Where practical, we will give advance notice of planned closures.
Environmental compliance:
Sheepdrove operates the burial ground in accordance with Environment Agency guidance and relevant environmental regulations, including groundwater protection requirements and minimum distances from watercourses and other sensitive features.
Terms for Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Sheepdrove Natural Burial Woodland
Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Sheepdrove Natural Burial Ground agree to the following:
- To provide GPS markers to enable you to locate the section in which your plot is situated.
- To keep a Burial Register.
- To ensure that the site is maintained in perpetuity as a Memorial Woodland.
- We will notify you of any changes affecting your plot or these terms, provided we hold up-to-date contact details for you. It is your responsibility to inform us of any change to your contact details.
Data protection:
Personal information you provide, including entries in the Burial Register, will be held in accordance with UK data protection law and used only for the purposes of maintaining site records and contacting plot holders. It will not be shared with third parties except where required by law.
Liability:
Sheepdrove Organic Farm accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from a visit to the grounds, except where caused by our negligence. The natural terrain, wildlife, and unmaintained ground conditions are an intended feature of the site, and visitors attend at their own risk.
Amendments and governing law:
We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Where changes materially affect existing plot holders, we will notify you using the contact details we hold. These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Skylark Flower Company
Growing locally to Sheepdrove, including within their Walled Garden, our sustainable funeral tributes change with the seasons, inspired by our wild and beautiful countryside surroundings. We create with your loved one in mind, after a conversation with you to understand how to celebrate and reflect their life and passions within the flowers. Natural materials used will gradually fade away and return to the earth; our flowers are perfect for those that had an appreciation for gardening, nature, the environment and wildlife.
Please call 07795 486336 or email us
www.skylarkflowercompany.co.uk
Farewell Flowers
The Farewell Flowers Directory is a network of independent florists bringing funeral flowers out of the shadows and into the fresh air. We want you to know that there’s another choice in farewell and sympathy flowers, one which is more natural, meaningful, beautiful and completely free of plastic or floral foam. Our directory links you to a network of independent florists who work from conversations. They will listen to your ideas, stories and memories, and translate them into unique and compostable flowers which reflect a life whilst treading lightly on the planet.
Please visit our website
www.farewellflowers.co.uk
Headley Flower Garden
Based on half an acre of flowers and foliage on the Hampshire/West Berkshire border, Headley Flower Garden uses their own seasonal flowers in their farewell flowers. The wide variety of plants grown support a host of insects and wildlife. The floristry products used are all compostable, recyclable or reusable.
Please call 07963 857987 or visit our website www.headleyflowergarden.co.uk
Leverton Walled Garden
Two acres of flowers and foliage in a beautiful Victorian Walled Garden just outside Hungerford. Farewell flowers use seasonal and sustainably grown flowers, herbs and foliage. DIY Flower Buckets from Leverton Walled Garden are cut fresh and give you the perfect choice of English country flowers to work with.
Please call 07968 415324 or send an email lwgarden@hotmail.com
Little Park Flowers
Little Park Flowers is an artisan flower farm and florist, growing seasonal, country garden flowers, in the once neglected, Victorian cottage gardens of a small country estate in Brimpton, West Berkshire. Imagine planning your flowers and being involved in watching them grow, all the way through from seed to your ultimate wedding bouquet. Imagine knowing exactly where each and every flower has come from and being confident that your flowers have been grown in an environmentally thoughtful way.
Call 07887 681850 or visit our website www.littleparkflowers.co.uk
Horse Drawn Occasions
Sheepdrove’s neighbours Horse Drawn Occasions have Shire, Suffolk Punch and Fresian horses. They can offer a hearse with the traditional black plumes and drapes or a more rustic wagon pulled by the heavy horses. A horse drawn funeral is the perfect match with an eco-friendly natural funeral and provide a truly memorable journey to your loved one’s final resting place
Please call 01488 639398 or send an email www.horsedrawn-occasions.co.uk
Above & Beyond Funerals Ltd
Land Rover Defender Hearse Hire
Our beautifully presented Land Rover available for hire has been carefully sourced and lovingly converted into a hearse. It is a truly befitting way for any 4×4 enthusiast to take their final journey.
Please call 07493 063983 or visit our website www.aboveandbeyondfunerals.co.uk
R.C. Smallbone Funeral Directors
Family run R.C. Smallbone Funeral Directors can provide the personal and friendly service you need at this difficult time. Based in Newbury, our local and independent funeral services have been serving West Berkshire for over 60 years.
Please call us on 01635 40536 or visit our website
www.rcsmallbone.co.uk
West Berkshire Funeral Directors
West Berkshire Funeral Directors are an independent family-run funeral company with forty years experience who provide a respectful and compassionate service, offering a full range of services so you can be in complete control when saying farewell to your loved one. We'll go the extra mile to help guide you through all the arrangements, offering you clear straightforward and informative advice.
Please call us on 01635 43355 or email us
www.wbfd.co.uk
J. Godfrey & Son Funeral Services
J. Godfrey & Son Funeral Services are an independent family run business operating in the Oxfordshire area since 1910. We are extremely proud to offer a personal, friendly, family service, where we are directly contactable 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We consider it an honour and a privilege to help you through such a difficult and emotional period in your life and pride ourselves on offering a service with a high standard of attention to detail in creating a funeral service which your loved one deserves.
Exit Here Funeral Directors
At Exit Here we know from personal experience that planning a funeral can be overwhelming. With our help it doesn’t need to be. We understand your grief and will be there to listen, advise and guide you through every step. We’ll help you make choices that are right for you. That might mean a close-knit family funeral or a much larger memorial, a traditional ceremony or a more modern service followed by a gathering. Whatever you want, we will provide the support you need. When a death occurs, we are available to you 24/7.
Please call us on 020 8050 2000 or email us
www.exithere.com
Ed Carter Funeral Director
For three generations we’ve been arranging funerals in Oxfordshire with care and compassion. We offer complete funeral services and are with you every step of the way.
Please call 01235 770996 or send an email www.edcarterfd.co.uk
Funeral Teas
We have an appointed caterer Quintin Catering. For a kitchen hire fee of £100 see below see a selection of recommended local caterers for freshly made food for memorials and wakes.
Quintin Catering – Appointed Caterer
07718 080169 or visit our website
Katie B Cakesmith
Please call 01635 41188 or 07544 673 732 or email
The Great Food Company
Please call 0118 373 2311 or visit our website
Clean Slate Catering
Please call 07900 693 428 or visit our website
Creative Catering
Please call 07743368373 or visit our website
Priscilla’s Kitchen
Please call 07976 156389 or visit our website
Celebrants
Independent and humanist celebrants work closely with the family and friends to create a unique and personal ceremony that is both a dignified farewell and a celebration of a life. A typical funeral often includes pieces of music and readings, but the heart of the ceremony is the tribute section, which lasts up to 15 minutes and might be written by the celebrant and/or include a variety of tributes paid by family and friends. Celebrants are trained in creating non-religious, semi-religious, new age or holistic ceremonies. Humanism is founded on shared values rooted in our common humanity and our shared human needs, transcending particular cultural and religious traditions and respecting the rights and equal dignity of all human beings.
Celebrants Directory
Alison Carter, Celebrant, Springwood Ceremonies
07766 750 446 www.springwoodceremonies.co.uk
Lesley Bottomley, Humanist Celebrant
01235 767309 or 07798 666364
www.humanist.org.uk/lesleybottomley/
Beth Hale, Celebrant.
07908 813390
www.independentcelebrants.com/
Louise Jopling, BHA Funeral Celebrant
01722 782695 or 07966 509207
www.humanist.org.uk/louisejopling/
Simon Hodkin, Humanist Celebrant
01488 649564 or 07711 145 904
www.humanist.org.uk/simonhodkin/
Becky Jefferies Humanist Celebrant
07780 606826 www.humanist.org.uk/beckyjeffries/
Lalith Wijedoru
07943 878203 www.behindyourmask.co/humanist-funeral-celebrant-uk/
Memorials
Memorials must fit the requirements set out in our Terms.
Twisted Willow Creations
Traditional and contemporary willow sculptures; commissions accepted.
Please call 07791 947027 or visit
www.twisted-creations.co.uk
Rutland Willows
Extraordinary willow sculptures and courses near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
Please call 01572 720741 or visit www.rutlandwillows.co.uk
The Conscious Carver
Hand carved sculptures in reclaimed timber by wood carver Tom Jennings
Please call 07432 571247
Judith Needham
Willow Chickens are available to buy or you can attend a course, either in person in Berkshire, Hampshire or Surrey, or online and make your own willow tribute!
Please call 0774 9852229 or visit www.judithneedham.co.uk
HB Studios
Patrick Bateman who created our farm animals wooden sculpture accepts commission for wooden carvings.
Please call 07984 439491 or visit https://hbstudios.co.uk/art-and-sculpture-projects/
