Privately owned and run by Margaret Arnison, the Friends of Nature Burial Ground, Mobberley, is set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, and can easily be reached from Manchester, Stockport, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Congleton, Crewe, Sandbach, Warrington, Wigan, Bolton, Preston and Merseyside. We offer burials, away from the traditional cemetery, where a loved one can be remembered with trees, meadow flowers or shrubs. We also have a section for cremated remains. Whether it be a traditional funeral service or something a little different our trained staff can assist you with all aspects of the funeral, and are also able to provide advice on a wide range of coffins, including wicker, bamboo etc.
The Concept
In an age when more and more countryside is lost to development, there is now a chance to reverse the trend. Unlike conventional cemeteries, the Friends of Nature Burial Ground serves a dual purpose, as it develops into a nature conservation area. Anyone using the burial ground can choose how burials are conducted, with as little or as much ceremony as they wish. In conjunction with the recommendations made by The Cheshire Wildlife Trust the burial ground will be planted with trees, shrubs and meadow flowers to create a safe natural habitat for birds and animals. The site will be permanently managed to mature into a truly lasting memorial.
Graveyard Farm dates back to Tudor times and gets its name from a small Quaker burial ground near one corner of the farm. The conservation burial ground is set in traditional meadowland surrounded by mature trees and hedges. Unlike most farms in the area Graveyard Farm has retained its traditional nature untouched by modern agricultural methods and has therefore kept its peaceful charm. The insular location makes for a very tranquil setting. The site is accessible by car or footpath and although deep in the countryside it can be reached from Manchester or Merseyside in under 30 minutes.
A choice needs to be made about the depth of the grave required, i.e. single depth or double depth. Cremated remains may also be buried in a separate area. It is possible to choose where a grave or plot for cremated remains is located (within the areas available). If you wish to choose a plot, we advise making an appointment to visit the site to discuss this with one of our staff.
Because of the nature of the site, maintenance at some times of the year is minimal, e.g. when wild flowers and grasses are growing and in flower. Individual graves may be maintained to a higher level by relatives and friends. An element of the service charge will be put into a trust fund for future maintenance. A planting scheme is evolving following recommendations outlined in an ecological survey of the site carried out by Cheshire Wildlife Trust. This survey identified flora and fauna and advised on the management of the existing site and on future developments which would be of benefit in the long term. A wildflower meadow has been established and copses of trees planted.