Why Choose
Fenns Meadow?
A bit about Fenns Meadow Green Burial Ground.
Fenns Meadow itself, sits within a pastureland of 10 acres. The site is positioned on high ground, facing a North Westerly direction which is perfect for watching the beautiful sunsets that regularly occur. The views from the site stretch across to North Wales, Cheshire and Liverpool. The Llangollen Canal borders the western side of the farm.
Fenns Meadow is only a couple of miles from the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) of Fenns Moss and Whixall Moss.
Fenns Meadow is part of a family farm, which has been farmed by the Blantern family for 3 generations. Fenns Meadow was established in 2008 by James and Emma Blantern, who continue to run the business together.
WHY CHOOSE A GREEN BURIAL?
- Simplicity: The idea of wrapping the body in a shroud or placing it in a plain, unadorned coffin appeals to those who prefer their burial arrangement to be simple, natural and unpretentious.
- Lower Cost: Because green burials do not involve embalming, fancy caskets, or concrete vaults, they can be a very cost-effective alternative to conventional burials.
- Conserving Natural Resources: Each year millions of tonnes of board feet of hardwood and many tons of steel in caskets are used. With a green burial, fewer resources are used, relying on more sustainable products such as Willow to make the coffins.
- Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals: For some, forgoing the embalming process is the main attraction, since embalming fluid contains formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant and known carcinogen.
- Preserving Natural Areas: Love of nature and a desire for “eternal rest” in a forever-wild meadow are frequently-cited reasons for choosing a green burial. The burial sites restore or preserve a natural landscape populated by native trees, shrubs and wildflowers; the sites offer food and refuge to birds and other wildlife. A green cemetery can be an important component in the acquisition and conservation of native habitats.
Frequently asked Questions.
Do I have to use a funeral director?
In our experience it is usually better to go through a funeral director or Funeral Planner but it's not a requirement. Click this link to find more details on local Funeral Directors:
What sort of casks, coffins or urns can be used?
All types of containers must be made of biodegradable materials such as wicker, willow, bamboo or cardboard. Please click on the link for more information on
Coffins & Urns:
What sort of marker or headstone is allowed?
There are no headstones used within the meadow land. The meadow graves have a simple stone plaque with just the initials engraved upon it, this lies flat on the grave. Along with this, the plot will have it's own Grid Reference map point. This is what makes a natural burial ground so different from a conventional grave yard, as the landscape is left as visibly natural as possible.
No Marker is to be placed on the site unless it is purchased through Fenns Meadow. Please note we will remove unauthorised markers. Please click on this link for more information on Memorials:
Who can be buried in a Green Burial Ground?
Can my family & friends visit the Burial Ground after the funeral?
Yes, the site is opened daily, from 9am-5pm but not manned full time. Please be aware there may be a funeral taking place. Please call 01948 880002 if you wish to meet James & Emma Blantern from Fenns Meadow.
How Fenns Meadow is maintained.
As Fenns Meadow is a natural burial ground we try and get a balance between the site being as natural as possible and keeping the site looking managed and maintained.
This is done through keeping a cut path from the main entrance right to the grave sides throughout the year, but allowing the meadow to grow around it. This meadow is harvested two to three times a year and also hosts winter sheep grazing annually.
All of these processes benefit the grassland itself.
Since opening in 2008 we have planted over 300 trees, an abundance of meadow flowers and added bird & bat boxes to the site. We are constantly monitoring the wildlife, flora and fauna that grow at Fenns Meadow and continue to preserve the site for generations to come.