A 'Good' award from Chester Civic Trust
Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground in Farndon, Cheshire, has won an award in this year’s Chester Civic Trust ‘Good, Bad and Ugly Awards’.
The Chester Civic Trust which celebrates its 62nd year this year, gave its verdict on the best examples of new development, renovation of existing buildings and community projects in its annual awards, now in their 16th year.
The awards highlight buildings, places, spaces and projects in Chester and its surrounding areas.
Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground in Chester Road, Farndon, won a ‘Good’ award.
Judges said: “This Natural Burial Ground at Farndon displays a nice mix of cultural and natural heritage.
"It has a well-designed car park, an attractive oak barn for ceremonies and shelter, tree and hedge planting. The inspired wildflower planting is a delight. The fantastic setting enhances Barnston Monument and helps to address habitat loss and pollinator decline.”
Site Manager David Atkinson said: “We are delighted that Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground has won a prestigious Chester Civic Trust award.
“We have worked hard to ensure that it is a special place for people to think, reflect and to celebrate a person’s life.
“We have had enquiries from people with a connection to Farndon from all over the country as well as from local families, many of whom are looking for a beautiful place to scatter the ashes of a loved one.”
Peter Hadfield, chairman of the judging panel, said: “Our annual awards are based on nominations from our 400 members. They aim to recognise the best changes to the Chester property scene in the past year.
“We hope they will encourage higher standards of design and maintenance in our public realm.
“Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground has been very nicely done and the wildflowers are lovely when they are out.
“The parking is discreet and the barn structure is wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing how the planting grows and evolves over the coming years.”
Our natural burial ground opened on land owned by the Barnston Estate, one of Cheshire’s oldest family estates, in Autumn 2021 to replace the burial ground at St Chad’s in the village.
Natural burial enables people to choose a funeral which is unique, in tune with nature and gentle on the environment. A variety of sustainable funeral options are available, including natural burial and scattering of ashes.
At Monument Meadow, the burial ground is intended to be a natural one with caskets made of natural materials with no formal markers. It will change with the seasons over time and support a variety of flora.
Types of plots available to reserve include natural burial plots, interment of ashes and scattering of ashes. Pre-purchasing of plots is also available.
There are more than 270 natural burial grounds in the UK, where interment occurs in a way that is beneficial to the environment, and they are increasing in popularity.
The natural burial ground is available for residents of Farndon and also of surrounding villages.