Usk Castle Chase
Usk, Monmouthshire
It’s not just a special setting with scenic views of the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside, but it is itself an important and historic part of that landscape. Click here to look at buying a plot and here for a directory of local services providers.
Set in 14 acres of open meadow in the heart of the Monmouthshire countryside, and surrounded on three sides by mature woodland, Usk Castle Chase is a peaceful and uplifting place for reflection and remembrance.
The meadow has far reaching views to the south and south-west across the rolling, pastoral Monmouthshire countryside.
The shallow valley running through the centre of the meadow (which will not be used for burials) will be left to promote tussocky rushes and other wetland plants, combined with the introduction of locally-native wildflowers.
When you purchase a plot at Usk Castle Chase, you buy a “right of burial” which lasts for 50 years. This makes it possible for you to reserve a space for the future, and, if you wish, link this to a funeral plan to cover the other funeral costs.
The long term objective is for the site to be self-sustaining, easily manageable and unchanged; the long-term management of the meadow will lead to substantial enhancement of the grassland which is one of the major ecological benefits of this natural burial scheme.
The land will be periodically grazed (as it always has been) to keep down the sward in the meadow and the undergrowth beneath mature woodland.
A new woodland area alongside the existing woodland edge of the meadow will be planted and protected as required, until it becomes fully established, to blend with the existing woodland.
Future management will be guided by Gwent Wildlife Trust to promote the spread of wildflowers through the meadow and preserve and enhance the wildlife habitats.
Usk Castle Chase is part of the estate belonging to the Humphreys family of Usk Castle. We have worked in partnership with Rosie Humphreys and Gwent Wildlife Trust to plan the scheme.
GWT assessed the ecology of the site and advised us on how best to minimise the impact of the proposed work. They also provided guidance on how to tailor the future management and maintenance of the site to achieve wildlife conservation objectives. The main objective behind the plan for the site is for the new use to have as little impact on the landscape as is practically possible. Ideally, the changes will be imperceptible.
Full ANBG member
Contact
James Leedam
The Market Tavern
26 Agincourt Square
Monmouth. NP25 3BT
01600 716438 / 07905 335830
james@nativewoodland.co.uk
www.nativewoodland.co.uk or
www.nativewoodland.co.uk/
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Site Location - Monmouth Road
Usk, Monmouthshire
NP15 1QX