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Atlantic Rest Natural Burial

About Us

We are Sheridon and Tom Rosser, and we have lived all our lives close to the Cornwall/Devon border, where Penlow field is situated.


In 2005 Tom and I were introduced to the concept of natural burial, attending the funerals of three grandparents at natural burial sites. That opened our eyes to the taboo subject of how to sensitively take care of a body, once that person has died. We asked the question: “What would happen to us?” 
Cremation was not our preference, although we understand that it is for others, and we welcome burial of ashes at Penlow. We saw that natural burial could be a positive gift to the environment, and a positive experience for relatives of the deceased, and so we began to search for suitable land locally.


It was several years before Penlow field revealed itself - owned by my family since 1959, and until 2013 by my late grandfather Cyril Hawkins. The green lane leading to the field was then completely overgrown, but now it leads through banks of wildflowers to our quadruple award winning burial ground.* Penlow field is at the top of a valley, south facing, and offering, on a clear day, a glimpse of the sea - hence the name we chose: Atlantic Rest.

* 2023 Association of Natural Burial Grounds People's Award for Runner-Up in the South West.

* 2019 Association of Natural Burial Grounds People’s Award for the best in the South West.

* 2019 Silver Award winner in the 'Natural Burial' section of the Cemetery of the Year Awards.

* 2016 Association of Natural Burial Grounds People's Award for Runner-Up in the South West.

 

Sheridon, Tom, Sophia & Meredith x

 

Left: The sea behind us is the Atlantic Ocean at Marsland Mouth - the stream that runs below the burial ground meets the sea here. 

Right: Photo from a context photography shoot by Locian Photography.

If you are visiting our website because you are due to attend a burial with us - please read the following.

 

Thank you for reading, we understand that this may be a difficult time for you but please read to the end as it will benefit your overall experience on the day.

 

There will be two temporary signs out in Woolley, the first is a floor sign that indicates you need to turn left, this is a black and orange sign.  You will then reach our banner that will be at the end of the lane.

 

Parking is limited at Atlantic Rest. If you know that there is likely to be a high number of people attending the burial - please arrange to car share. This doesn’t need to mean from your start point; but can be done from very near your destination.  There is a very large lay-by just after you turn off of the main A39 into Woolley.  Please park there if necessary, and ride down to the site with others.

 

Please do not in any circumstances drive into Woolley and leave your vehicle on the green (where the first sign is) or on any verges nearby - we have a good relationship with the locals, that we need to maintain.

 

When you get to the end of the lane, please stop and wind your window down to receive instructions of how and where to park your vehicle.  We manage the parking as best we can but it does require your cooperation.  We ask people to reverse park where possible, so that you can all easily filter out when it is time to leave.

 

We do have overflow car parking but it is limited.

 

When parked and congregating with others, please be mindful of other vehicles manoeuvring.

 

There is a gravel path through the main part of Penlow but you will likely need to walk on the grass too. Please note that high heels will sink.

 

If you require assistance with mobility - we do have a scooter that we can use for you.  You will only need to sit on it and we will operate the scooter.  Please call in advance if this is required - 07775 726 907.

 

Thank you for bearing with, and reading this till the end.

 

To close this message and continue to our website in full - please use the white cross at the top right of this message.  Thank you.

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