a naturalistic sanctuary
MONUMENT MEADOW
“ I started working with Land Studio over two years ago and they have far exceeded expectations.
The whole process through brief, design and final execution of the project was very professional.”
Monument Meadow
The five-acre burial ground is owned by the Barnston Estate, an historic family-owned Cheshire estate.
Estate owner and manager Ed Barnston came to Land Studio for advice on how to transform a field into a beautiful natural burial ground to replace the full burial ground at St Chad’s Church in the village.
We designed layouts to support a detailed planning application for the site.
The Land Studio design ethos is to connect people with nature, and natural burial enables people to choose a funeral in tune with nature and gentle on the environment.
Concept plan of the proposed burial ground and facilities
The site has views across rolling countryside and across to the majestic Clywdian Range. It was important to sensitively integrate the burial site into the landscape, to enhance the views and to create a space that will mature with time.
A meadow setting for natural burial grounds makes them intrinsically peaceful and beautiful places to visit. They change with the seasons and over time and support a variety of flora.
We specified formal and ornamental native trees, native hedging (such as hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose) and a wildflower meadow with flowers including red poppies, marigolds, cornflowers and camomile.
The hedging also serves to screen the parking area and vehicular route, the main road and the neighbouring properties to provide seclusion and privacy.
The use of native species across all of the planting types will increase biodiversity by providing habitats for a wide range of wildlife.
A timber framed pavilion provides a focal point and shelter for burial ceremonies to take place under, while allowing views out across the site and beyond.
The four majestic sleeping stone lions and Grade II* listed monument at the entrance to the burial ground further enhance the site.
Ed Barnston said “Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground will get better and better as the years go by and the planting develops. I love the oak barn and the way it is weathering.
We harvest the vitamin and mineral-rich wildflower meadow in September and it goes to the Barnston Estate cattle as feed or bedding. Nothing is wasted.
We have been delighted with the response we have had from people since we opened Monument Meadow in Autumn 2021.
It is a natural sanctuary designed to honour our deceased. It is also a beautiful place to be laid to rest and for loved ones to visit.”
Chester Civic Trust presented Monument Meadow Natural Burial Ground with a ‘Good’ award in their annual ‘Good, Bad and Ugly Awards’. The judges praised the burial ground for its ‘mix of cultural and national heritage’, its “well designed car park, attractive oak barn for ceremonies, as well as new tree and hedge planting.” They also said: “the inspired wildflower planting is a delight”
Photograph showing the view from the timber framed pavilion.
Photograph of the meadow, newly established tree and timber framed pavilion.