15/01/2026
We have a little announcement…
Many of you will be aware from some of the awful reports of misdoing in the last year or two, that the funeral sector is largely unregulated - it is a pretty scary fact.
Thankfully there are various ‘professional bodies’ out there in the industry; whom those of us wishing to self regulate can join. I firmly believe that establishments who want to do this; stand out from the rest, offering honesty and transparency when it is asked for. It is difficult seek reassurance of a standard of best practice, when a firm is not willing to be part of a bigger picture in some form.
We have been proud members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds for many years now. This is a link that started way before we even realised that Penlow field was a possible place to create Atlantic Rest Natural Burial. At a guess I think we must have been members for over 15 years - despite having only been providing a final resting place to our residents for the past 12 of those.
For that reason it is an immense honour to be awarded, for the second year in a row - regional winner for the South West People’s Award.
As part of the regulation within the association, we commit to the code of conduct. This involves providing our families the opportunity to share their experience after their loved one ‘moves in’ to Penlow and becomes part of the Atlantic Rest family.
These feedback forms go directly back to the Association of Natural Burial Grounds-ANBG , being scrutinised first of all by the manager Rosie - then by an independent judge. Each feedback form is read and judged not only by region for a winner and runner up, but also nationally for an overall winner.
I do not envy the task of reading through all those forms - I know that the standard of professionalism for families and the care afforded to them by all member sites is incredibly high, it’s a very difficult thing to determine.
We thank all our families that have taken the time to share their experience with us. It is what counts and sets us apart. We will always continue to provide the care for your loved ones that they deserve.
Thank you always 🤍💚❤️🖤💙🧡
P.S. Everyone that chooses natural burial is a winner - looking after our environment is a choice to protect our future generations
