It is a huge privilege to be one of the recommended celebrant partners for Hay Meadow Burial Ground at Busnant Farm, nestled in a remote valley at the edge of Glascwm, in the hills of Radnorshire. Its a location that we who live rurally would call “local” to me. I live a few villages along, c20 miles away. The drive from my rural guesthouse to facilitate green goodbyes there is glorious (Maybe a little challenging in the snow.). That 1/2 hr gives me time to contemplate and hold space for the family I am supporting.

Welcome to Hay Meadow Burial Ground

Richard & Sarah, own and run Hay Meadow, having moved there for the ‘good life’ in 2007. Their redirection into funeral services is an unusual one. It is a story that connects their present and future to Richard’s late mum. She is the reason their lives changed trajectory and they became custodians of a burial ground and, later, fully fledged funeral directors.

I love that all of those laid to rest here are referred to as “Residents”. I love that the grounds are surrounded by the Radnorshire Hills; its like it is protected by being wrapped in big strong arms.

The landscape is stunning, look in any direction and there is almost no evidence of the 21st century. The hills are crisscrossed with sheep tracks and scattered with ancient deciduous trees. The site itself is young in its current guise; Hay Meadow Burial Ground opened in 2017

Richard & Sarah, installed a large open shelter at the top of the two fields. The shelter sits in front of the field that will, in centuries to come, be a mixed deciduous woodland. The planting plan was created to ensure that every resident will eventually be in the vicinity of a magnificent oak, but also comforted and protected by the shade of a variety of native trees. Each with space to thrive and flourish. For now the field is gently filling with saplings as each new resident moves into their spot. Whilst the field continues to exist as a beautiful wild meadow.

To the left is the meadow, at the bottom of which is Silver Birch Glade. The fields are left no mow throughout the summer until it is eventually harvested for hay – bedding and feed for their farm. It is gloriously and gently managed, full of vibrant colour as fritillary, daffodils, buttercups and clover carpet both fields through spring and summer. Mown paths mark the way for visitors to walk through to visit or say goodbye.

Green Goodbyes at Hay Meadow Burial Ground

The shelter enables families to sit. Services can be conducted in there before heading graveside for the committal. Teas (or something stronger) can be drunk there to toast the deceased and gift families the time they need before they head off to their ever changed life.

The shelter also houses a wall of heart shaped plaques, optional name markers for the residents. And there are peg lines so families can pin up pictures during their service making the space personal to them. In addition there’s both a regular post box and a Bee-mail box. Based on the ancient tradition of telling the bees when someone dies. Visitors can write a message to a resident and Sarah and Richard will tell it to their bees. They have several hives on their farm.

The Bier

Helens Military funeral — In memory of Helen – with kind permission of her family

Their bier is stunning. It provides a solemnity and respect to every goodbye. Plus the shelter is a good size meaning families can spend time with their loved one out of the elements. Perfect if they want to draw on a wooden coffin or weave flowers into a wicker one. Maybe within a ceremony they may want guests to write messages on tags and tie them to the handles or into the weave..

Bring your own music, pop the blue-tooth speaker on the bier and head to their final resting place to the sound of music.

Funeral Directing

Sarah and Richard also have a mortuary and chapel of rest in the grounds of their farm. They can offer a full service, collecting and caring for your deceased, then helping with the service. They personally dig and fill the graves and ensure your loved one is cared for and respected.

Rosy's service — in memory of Rosy – with kind permission from her family

Whether its a burial, laying of ashes, simple committal or full interactive celebration of life, Hay Meadow offers the space, the time and the flexibility to ensure every goodbye is as it should be. Family led, authentic to the people concerned, loving, respectful and caringly held and supported.

I think half my village have plots reserved here – John and I certainly plan to have a couple of plots. Plus they have a beautiful area for your beloved four legged friends too

Hay Meadow is open to the public and you are always welcome to visit. They host regular open afternoons/evenings during the Spring and Summer for anyone who wants a guided tour and to meet their trusted team. And when they do, there’s always delicious cake thanks to Sarah and her baking talent!

To speak to Sarah and Richard or arrange a private visit to discuss their services , contact them directly: