About Mowthorpe
Mowthorpe Garden of Rest has been open for 25 years and lies on an elevated site in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty not far from Castle Howard. There are panoramic views of the North Yorkshire Moors, Vale of York and York Minister itself.
The burial ground nestles between the existing Parish Cemetery and an established woodland just outside the village of Terrington. The site is part of the 250-acre Southwood Farm where the Goodwill family have lived for almost 175 years.
Green or Woodland burial means a tree is planted on every grave. The area will become an established woodland. The land devoted to each grave is around four times that in a local authority cemetery to allow room for the trees to grow.
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What is a Woodland Burial?
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The area is a mown grass field and a tree is planted after each burial takes place. The area is maintained and as the trees grow, a woodland habitat is created.
Families can choose the species of tree which is planted during the late winter dormant season each year. We recommend small horizontal stone or slate marker which can be set into the turf. We accept all types of coffin but encourage the use of biodegradable materials such as wicker. Many families plant bulbs on the grave to augment the thousands of daffodils we have planted.
Floral tributes with wrapping removed and Christmas wreaths are welcome but, please, no plastic trinkets.
Services we offer
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Green burial of coffins.
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Ashes burial in a full-sized plot.
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Additional ashes in existing graves at nominal cost
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We only provide the services of a burial ground and most people will use a funeral director to provide the rest of the funeral. A few people have carried out their own funeral arrangements and we are happy to assist them as far as we can.
There are no buildings or toilets on site but usually the toilets at the nearby village hall are available and for customers at the village shop and tearoom. The village hall is modern and has great facilities for small services and “funeral teas” (village hall website link). All Saints Terrington, Church of England, have held funeral services by arrangement with the rector.