Our details

As members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, we publish the information below so that families can make a clear and informed decision. These are the details the ANBG Code of Conduct asks every member to make openly available — our response to it, for Churchtown Natural Burial Ground.

Description of site

Churchtown Natural Burial Ground is part of the wider Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, located in Saltash, Cornwall. The site itself is situated near St Stephen’s Church and faces south. The gentle slope orientates down toward the River Lynher and is bordered by mature trees and established hedgerow to the west and a simple fence to the east, ensuring the site is defined but integrated with its wider nature reserve setting.

Location

Churchtown Farm Natural Burial Ground, Churchtown Farm, Farm Lane, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 4AR. The site is accessible by foot with on-street parking available around the wider Nature Reserve. Saltash is served well by public transport — Saltash Railway Station is a 25-minute walk from Churchtown Natural Burial Ground, and there are bus stops close by on St Stephen’s Road, Wearde Road, Church Road and Broad Walk. Buses to and from these stops can be found on the Go Cornwall website and app.

Site owner

The burial ground is held under freehold tenure by the Antony Estate. Antony Estate Office, Antony, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 3AB.

Site operator

The burial ground is operated by Antony Hospitality Holdings and Lynher Valley Partnership, trading as Churchtown Natural Burial Ground. Contact can be made by phone on 01752 922616 or via email to hello@churchtownburials.com.

Type of plots available

Single-depth plots are available only; double plots may be purchased, and these will be side by side. Plots for ashes interment are also available. Scattering of ashes is not available.

Burial right

Right of burial for pre-purchased plots will be granted for 20 years. Contact must be made at that time to confirm that the plot is still required. An administration fee of £1 will apply for the reissuement of your Right of Burial Certificate. If you decide that you no longer require your plot we must be notified in writing. Pre-purchase plots are non-transferable; the surviving owner may choose, at a time of need, to give the plot to someone else. The Right of Burial is then complete when the new resident takes up rest, and the original owner will need to purchase a new Right of Burial if they wish to be buried here also. The Right of Burial cannot be transferred after the owner’s death.

Grave digging

Graves are dug using a combination of machinery and hand digging, and backfilled by hand. Families are able to assist with backfilling if requested, but this must be arranged prior to the interment.

Embalming

We cannot accept embalmed residents at this burial ground. In exceptional circumstances, such as armed forces repatriation, we may be able to consider this. Please speak to us so we can see if we can help.

Memorials

Simple memorial plaques are available through Churchtown Natural Burial Ground. These will be placed once the ground has settled, and in a manner that allows for meadow management. Wildflower seed is available, free of charge, from us.

On-site facilities

The burial ground and wider nature reserve do not have any facilities; there are no shelters or undercover areas on site. When a service or burial is taking place we have access to parking and toilet facilities at Churchtown Cemetery, Farm Lane. Due to the nature of the site, it is highly recommended that flat shoes are worn.

Funeral services

You may use a funeral director, minister or celebrant of your choice, or you may choose to hold a graveside service yourself.

Coffins & shrouds permitted

Biodegradable coffins and shrouds will be permitted. Coffin liners, pillows, handles and hinges must also be biodegradable. Large American-style coffins are not permitted.

Future site management

The site will be active as a burial ground for 90 years. Once the burial ground officially closes, its long-term management will seamlessly transition to either the Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve or the Antony Estate Land Management team, ensuring the meadow remains a protected, peaceful sanctuary. Until that time, the ground will be managed and enhanced as a meadow, topped periodically to encourage the establishment of wildflowers.