Fran Hall of the Earth-lovin’, sometimes subterranean (it is headquartered in a nuclear bunker) Natural Death Centre (NDC) tells us that, to coincide with Dying Matter Awareness Week, and to raise the profile of the great work being done by Association of Natural Burial Ground (ANBG) members, the NDC is announcing the regional winners in our 2013 People’s Awards for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK.
Over 1,000 ANBG feedback forms received back at the bunker were scrutinised and analysed by trustees earlier this year, and the results were collated to produce eight winning natural burial grounds in different regions of the UK.
In order to ascertain the winner in each region, an average return rate against the possible maximum number of burials was calculated, and then the numbers of stars given both overall and for service were tallied.
In regions where two or more sites had similar levels of response and stars, the forms were re-read and the number of mentions of the owner / manager in each case was used to ascertain the site providing the most personal service according to the families who responded.
Winners were chosen in eight of the regions of the UK where ANBG members operate. Three regions, (East, North East and Eire) had no eligible contenders due to absence of forms returned and / or disqualified sites.
An overall winner is to be chosen by three independent judges, and will be announced in June.
Scotland – Clovery Woods of Rest – Alex and Fiona Rankin – www.greenburials-scotland.co.uk
North of England – Dalton Woodland Burial Ground – Francis Mason Hornby – www.daltonwoodlandburial.co.uk
Yorkshire – Brocklands Woodland Burial – Chris & Julia Weston – www.brocklands.co.uk
West Midlands – West Hope Green Burial Ground – Andy Bruce – No website – more info www.naturaldeath.org.uk/index.php?page=natural-burial-grounds
East Midlands – The Willows Natural Burial Ground – Chris & Jenny Scroby – www.willowsnaturalburialgrounds.co.uk
Wales – Green Lane Burial Field & Nature Reserve – Ifor & Eira Humphreys – www.greenlaneburialfield.co.uk
South West England – Higher Ground Meadow – Peter & Joanna Vassie – www.highergroundmeadow.co.uk
South East England – South Downs Natural Burial Site – Al Blake – www.sustainability-centre.org
My congratulations to Francis Mason Hornby. Dalton natural burial ground is an absolute credit to him and his team. A most helpful and professional experience, in a lovely part of the World.
– Nick
Congratulations to Chris and Jenny at The Willows Natural Burial Ground on their achievement in becoming regional winner for The East Midlands. Hoping to visit their burial ground soon.
The Funeral Consultancy
Higher Ground Meadow and South Downs are 2 of my favourites. SUCH worthy winners. Huge congratulations!
Congratulations to the Winners.
A big thank you to all the Association of Natural Burial Ground Members for all the dedicated work.
It is such a pleasure to read the feedback forms as the compassion and care of the great work done shines through.
Susan
Susan Morris, Trustee
The Natural Death Centre Charity, Association of Natural Burial Grounds
Registered Charity No: 1091396
Having had the privilege of conducting the first funeral at higher ground meadow with Jo we at Stoodley & Son are delighted that Jo has won the South west category. Jo and I have worked tirelessly together to promote natural burial within Dorset and Somerset and for those of you that have seen our joint trade stands at the local country shows they certainly give people food for thought !