Tysoe’s beautiful natural burial ground is a 16 acre nature reserve on the Lower Tysoe side of the village.
Founded by Tysoe residents David and Emma Restall Orr in 2006, there are now over 2,000 individuals laid to rest within its growing woodland and wildflower meadows.
From 2026, most of the day-to-day running of the grounds is done by their small team of Lucia, Liberty, Harriet and Steve, but Emma is still involved with funerals, and David can often be seen onsite, fixing a fence or running a mower, and both maintain the management overview.
However, their focus remains on the charity which runs alongside the ground, The Friends of Sun Rising (FOSR). Registered with the Charity Commission (number 1181570), FOSR has a board of trustees representing those with loved ones laid to rest and the local community.
The broad purpose of the charity is securing its long-term care and protection: when there is no longer an income from burials and memorials, FOSR will take over its management, maintaining the site as a place of memorial and a haven for wildlife.
FOSR is involved in events run by the natural burial ground, such as nature walks, flora surveys, mornings of bird song, evenings for moths or bats, mental health mindfulness days, creativity sessions for adults and children, as well as events more specifically for those who are bereaved.
Every two years, at its Roll of Remembrance, the names of all who are laid to rest there are read aloud, which is always very moving, and each 11 November there is a gathering for the Armistice. There are volunteer days such as mulching trees, raking hay, cleaning plaques and planting bulbs, and a regular once-a-month volunteer group who help out with seasonal tasks through the year.
FOSR also runs fundraising events, such as music recitals, smooth jazz, theatre performance, art days, quiz nights, nature talks, local walks, and the Christmas fair. The AGM is held in Tysoe Village Hall each September. At many events, the FOSR stall sells local honey, jams, jellies, chutneys, greetings cards, tea towels, jewellery, beeswax candles and more.
Sun Rising has about 400 subscribing Friends, an active mailing list of over 1800 recipients, an extensive website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
If you’d like to know more about the natural burial ground, the nature reserve, volunteering or The Friends, please get in touch: office@sunrising.co.uk
