Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions

The following regulations are made to enable Hemington Natural Burial to create and maintain a respectful space which allows nature to thrive.

The Burial Ground

Access is permitted during daylight hours and when the gates are open. It may be that the gates are closed for safety reasons to restrict access whilst maintenance work is undertaken. No access would be available at this time.
No seed may be scattered on the burial ground unless approved by Hemington Natural Burial.
Picking of flower or shrubs or the unauthorised planting of any flowers or shrubs is prohibited. Non-native species will be removed. Construction or maintenance of flower beds is not permitted, and no soil, peat or compost may be imported to the site.
No naturally germinated seedlings apart from bramble, thistle, nettle and ragwort may be removed from plots.
All visitors shall behave in a law abiding and appropriate manner.
No amplified music should be played except during funeral services.
Children must be always supervised.
Dogs must be always kept on a lead.
Litter bins have been provided, however where possible we ask that you take any rubbish with you, or better yet don’t bring it in the first place. Littering of the site is not allowed.
No marker, monument, fence, or other construction is permitted unless with the authorisation of the management.
Only loose cut flowers to be placed on the graves. Nothing can be hung from or tied to trees or guards.
We take care to look after the trees on site, however from time to time some will fail and others require work. E.g. coppicing. We reserve the right to undertake the appropriate care.
The scattering of cremated remains is not permitted without written approval of Hemington Natural Burial.
Registers and plans of the burial ground are kept in the office where they may be inspected free of charge by appointment. In accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) we are only permitted to release information to the public in respect of the deceased.
Motor vehicles and bicycles are only permitted to be used on the parking area and entrance.
We are a no smoking site. Please refrain from smoking whilst on the premises.

Exclusive Right of Burials

By agreeing to purchase an Exclusive Right to Burial you are agreeing to these terms.
To receive the Exclusive Right of Burial full payment must be made and funds cleared. Following this the Exclusive Rights of Burial Certificate will be issued, and an internment can take place.
The purchase of the Exclusive Right of Burial is for the right of burial in the plot, it does not confer ownership of the plot.
The Exclusive Right of Burial may not be varied or amended. Hemington Natural Burial may, at their discretion agree to a change. This may be subject to an additional administration fee.
For advance purchases of Exclusive Rights of Burial, it may be, due to the passage of time or changing circumstances that the services offered are no longer available or feasible. In this event Hemington Natural Burial will provide a reasonable alternative arrangement. Should you or your representatives not approve of the alternative a full refund of the Exclusive Rights of Burial will be issued.
If you wish to cancel the Exclusive Right of Burial within 3 months of purchase you will receive a refund of the amount paid, less an administration fee of £200. Cancellations after this time will only be refunded in exceptional circumstances.
Following your death, it is not possible for your representative to cancel the Exclusive Right of Burial. No monies will be refunded in this event.
If we are unable to provide the burial plots because of exceptional circumstances e.g. legislation changes, ground conditions, fire, floods then Hemington Natural Burial reserve the right to cancel and refund all monies you have paid to Hemington Natural Burial.
Exclusive Rights of Burial cannot be sold or transferred without our written consent. An administration fee may apply, and it will be necessary for new parties to agree to the terms and conditions.
If the Exclusive Rights of Burial are unclaimed after a period of 25 years from the date of purchase, then we will write to you at your last known address to establish that it is still your intention to claim the Exclusive Right of Burial. If we do not hear from you within 6 months of the letter then we shall be entitled to consider that you have chosen not to claim the Exclusive Rights of Burial and we may, at our discretion cancel the Exclusive Right of Burial and retain the monies.
The terms and conditions of the Burial Ground are subject to change and must be complied with.

Burials

Bodies should not be embalmed.
Anything placed in the coffins should be biodegradable, including clothing.
All coffins and their linings should be sustainably produced from natural, biodegradable materials.
Cremated remains will require a Certificate of Cremation from an approved crematorium prior to internment.
Grave digging will be arranged by Hemington Natural Burial and only by persons appointed by Hemington Natural Burial are allowed to excavate within the burial ground. Purchase of the Exclusive Rights of Burial will not cover any charges imposed for excavating the graves. A grave internment fee also applies.
In the event of graves becoming sunken over time it may be necessary to top up the ground with excess soil. Hemington Natural Burial reserves the right to undertake this maintenance.
We reserve the right to exclude anyone from the premises who is found to be disruptive or disrespectful.
Floral tributes following a burial will be removed 7 days after the burial or earlier if appropriate.
If a large funeral is anticipated or unusual transport anticipated Hemington Natural Burial should be notified and appropriate arrangements can be made.
Burials take place on working days Monday – Friday excluding public holidays. We may by exception agree to burials at weekend or public holidays, but additional fees will apply.
Hemington Natural Burial will allocate the plots; however, the wishes of the applicant will be considered wherever possible.

Memorials

Memorials must be provided through Hemington Natural Burial and are subject to availability.
Plaques on memorial benches are provided on a fixed term as set out in the prices. After this term it will be necessary to renew the payment to ensure continuation of the memorial plaque. A reminder will be sent to the contact details available 3 months before the end of the term.
Plaques on wooden posts are guaranteed for 5 years but will not be removed until failure of the post.
Engraved tree stakes on memorial trees will last for the lifespan of the post.
If desired renewal of tree stakes must be arranged through Hemington Natural Burial and will be subject to an additional fee.