Guide to Natural Burial
What is a natural burial?
Put simply, natural burial is an eco-friendly, peaceful and sustainable way to lay to rest those who have died. Natural burials involve returning the body to the earth without any type of chemical preservation process such as embalming, and using only biodegradable coffins, urns or shrouds. It is the perfect choice for those who wish to have minimal environmental impact when they die and be laid to rest in beautiful, natural surroundings. There are many benefits and choices available for those exploring this option, so in this guide to natural burials we hope to answer your questions and help you decide if it’s right for you.
Why choose natural burial?
As a society we are becoming increasingly aware of our impact on the natural world around us. So it’s unsurprising that in recent years, ‘green’ natural burial options are growing rapidly in popularity.
With so many cemeteries now reaching capacity and with our growing awareness of the impact cremated remains have on our ecosystem, this type of natural burial is now the clear choice for many, and there are close to 300 natural burial grounds across the UK.
But many remain unsure about what this process involves, how it works and what is and isn’t permitted. Choosing something other than the traditional funeral, burial or cremation can feel daunting, but at Eco Endings we hope to reassure you that this is fast becoming the most natural choice – and that your funeral can be all the more special as a result.
What are the rules of natural burial?
Each natural burial ground will have its own regulations and practices, but the golden rule applied to all is that everything buried or left at the graveside must be biodegradable.
This means no harmful substances on the body (from embalming), and coffins/urns made only from natural materials such as solid wood, willow or bamboo. Headstones are not permitted, but many sites offer the option to leave wooden markers or even to plant a tree or erect a bench. Flowers can be left at gravesides provided they are not wrapped in plastic or any other non-degradable materials. These rules allow burial sites to remain fully natural, encouraging biodiversity and safe habitats for plants and wildlife.
Natural burial grounds have a completely different look and feel to more traditional graveyards. Most who choose this option love the idea that they can be laid to rest in peaceful, natural surroundings, where new life will continue to flourish. They are also beautiful places for friends and families to visit for years to come, remembering their loved one and enjoying the environment at their leisure.
Natural burial and cremations
Despite their name, natural burial grounds also welcome those who choose cremation rather than burial. However, the scattering of ashes is not always permitted due to harmful chemicals that can be released during the process. Most sites will welcome the interment (burial) of ashes in biodegradable urns. These are made from 100% natural materials that will naturally break down over time, enhancing the environment around them.
A wide variety of ‘green’ urns, scatter tubes and boxes are now available, made from materials such as wool, wicker and cardboard. And for those looking to lay their loved one’s ashes to rest in water, biodegradable soluble urns are a great option, as they gently dissolve when submerged in water or buried along the shoreline.
Funerals at natural burial grounds
Natural burial comes with the added benefit that the grounds allow family and friends to say goodbye and remember their loved ones in beautiful, natural surroundings.
Most natural burial sites offer the option to hold the committal and/or funeral service outdoors at the graveside, giving those close to them the time and space to say goodbye in their own way. This serves as a contrast to traditional crematoriums, where many services are subject to time constraints and families can often feel rushed.
Natural burial funerals can offer great comfort when saying goodbye to a loved one. You will have the freedom to hold the ceremony yourself or to choose a celebrant or minister to lead the service, using words and music of your choice. Many families also like to incorporate symbolic gestures, plant a tree, scatter wildflowers, or anything else that holds meaning for them. Your funeral celebrant or minister will be able to offer ideas and guidance based on the interests and values of the person who has died.
Where can I find a natural burial ground near me?
You can search our directory of natural burial grounds to find a site near you and get in touch for a tour. Eco Endings launched in 2024 and we are still growing our directory, so if you can’t find a site nearby, you may also wish to check the Natural Death Centre list of natural burial grounds across the country.
