Woodland Burial & Natural Burial Grounds

Inspiration for Natural Burial Grounds

There are growing number beautiful natural burial grounds throughout the UK, each providing slightly different and unique landscapes. They are places where loved ones can be laid to rest amongst nature. Set in woodlands, parklands and wildflower meadows, often rich with flowers and wildlife, they are beautiful, calm spaces to visit, to reflect and remember. Natural burial, as the word suggests, involves being in harmony with nature, so coffins and urns are biodegradable and the use of chemicals for embalming is not allowed.

The Different Landscapes of Natural Burials Grounds

Whether you, or your loved one, prefers open fields, wildflower meadows, woodlands, or views of the sea, there are natural burial grounds throughout the UK to suit every person’s wishes and requirements.

Rolling hills overlooking the sea at Atlantic Rest Natural Burial

A winding path through a grass meadow at Tithe Green Natural Burial Ground in Markfield — A winding path through a grass meadow at Tithe Green Natural Burial in Markfield

Bluebell Woods and family nooks at Granville’s Wood

Woodland and parkland at GreenAcres Colney Living Memorial Park

Light, Open Spaces for Funerals and Celebrations of Life

At natural burial grounds, services can take place amongst nature. Many also have light, open spaces for services, memorials and for celebrations of life.

The Lodge at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground

GreenAcres Chiltern Living Memorial Park

Memorial Trees, Memorial Benches and Wooden Plaques

Instead of a headstone, most natural burial grounds allow a simple wooden marker with the person’s name, dates and a short message. In some locations, a memorial tree can be planted, or native plants or wildflowers can be grown around the gravesite. A memorial bench or seating log can provide a lovely place to sit and remember.

The rules do vary from site to site, so do check beforehand. Some natural burial grounds don’t allow grave markers and burial locations may be recorded digitally or have recorded GPS coordinates.

A memorial bench at Eden Valley Woodland Burial Ground

A memorial bench at GreenAcres Rainford Living Memorial Park

Eco-friendly Coffins, Urns & Shrouds for Natural Burials

There is a wide range of biodegradable coffins, urns and shrouds, handcrafted from sustainable materials such as willow, wool felt and cardboard, that are perfect for natural burials. For further information and ideas, please go to our Inspiration section for Biodegradable Coffins and Biodegradable Funeral Urns.