The land
Hundy Mundy offers a place of escape, away from it all.
From the hilltop, see commanding views of the surrounding Scottish borders landscape – back towards the Mellerstain country house, west towards the Eildons, and south across the steep valley of Muckle Thairn and Eden Water towards Kelso and the Cheviots beyond.
The peace and beauty here change with the passing seasons. At any time of year, a visit to the burial ground will connect you with nature and you’ll have the time and space to reflect on life, love, and loss.
A secure future
The burial ground is an integral part of the Mellerstain Estate and the long-term preservation of the woodland and tower is important to them. The burial ground is maintained with a light touch and as a wild and natural place. There may be sheep grazing as well as periodic mowing.
Use of the land is otherwise restricted to natural burials by covenants contained in its 99-year lease. Beyond that, the burial ground will continue to be used for agriculture when the lease expires.
Download an information pack
Whether you're arranging a funeral now or planning for the future, we have put together information packs for you to download.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to use a funeral director?
There is no legal requirement in the UK to use a funeral director. The professionals are there to support you and help you achieve what you want to do. A good funeral director will provide the help and support you need when you need it.
What’s to stop people from building on the land?
Use of the land is restricted to natural burials by covenants contained in its 99-year lease. Beyond that, the burial ground is an integral part of the Traherne Estate and will continue to provide land for grazing and hay-making when the lease expires.
Can we buy a double plot?
Burial and interment plots are single-depth, and double-plots are side-by-side.
What type of coffins can be used?
Coffins should be made from and lined with natural, biodegradable materials. No plastics, MDF, or chipboard should be used.
Is embalming allowed?
We can’t accept embalmed bodies for burial unless there are exceptional circumstances. Cremated remains contain no residue from embalming chemicals and can therefore be interred in the meadow.
Can I visit the burial ground over Christmas and New Year?
Yes, you can go and visit the burial ground any time during the Christmas holidays, regardless of bank holidays – This is the case all year round for visits, it is always open for you to visit a loved one.
Can I place a stone on the grave?
We no longer offer this memorial option, because it has created maintenance and grave-digging problems for our team. We do not want to risk damaging these important and special memorials. Instead, we now offer families the option to dedicate a slate memorial plaque in our memorial panel, or they can dedicate a tree plaque.
I found the burial ground very peaceful and an appropriate place as my husband loved trees and the countryside.
Family member, 2016
Visiting the burial ground
We recommend that before you make the decision to purchase a burial or interment plot, you go to visit the burial ground, to make sure it is the right place for you and your family.
The site is open all year round during daylight hours so please feel free to visit without making an appointment. The pedestrian gate is always open. Or if you would like a guided tour around the ground, please get in touch with Jane, the custodian, who will be happy to meet you there.
We recommend using What3Words to find the burial ground entrance, as the postcode is not accurate. Click on this link to go to the W3W address and you can use this to navigate to the burial ground.
Hundy Mundy Natural Burial Ground (not for correspondence)
Nenthorn,
Kelso
TD5 7SA
