More families in the UK are choosing natural burial — an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation — as awareness of its benefits grows. Unlike conventional funerals, natural burials aim to minimise environmental impact while creating lasting woodland memorials.
But what exactly is a natural burial, how does it differ from a traditional funeral, and how much does it cost? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is a Natural Burial?
A natural burial (also called a green burial or woodland burial) involves burying a body in a way that allows it to decompose naturally and return to the earth. Unlike conventional burials, there is no concrete vault, no metal or plastic coffin, and no chemical embalming.
The body is placed in a biodegradable coffin — typically made from willow, bamboo, cardboard, or wool — and interred in a natural burial ground that becomes a protected woodland or meadow.
How Natural Burial Differs from Traditional Burial
The Rise of Natural Burial in the UK
The UK has seen remarkable growth in natural burial since the first dedicated site opened in Carlisle in 1993. There are now over 270 natural burial grounds across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with more opening each year.
Several factors are driving this growth:
- Environmental awareness — UK funeral emissions total an estimated 88,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from cremations alone. Natural burials avoid this entirely.
- Changing attitudes — Many families want a meaningful, personalised farewell rather than a traditional service.
- Cost — Natural burials can be significantly cheaper than conventional burials, though prices vary widely by site.
- Legacy — Natural burial grounds create protected green spaces for future generations.
How Much Does a Natural Burial Cost?
Natural burial costs vary significantly depending on location, the site itself, and the funeral director you choose. Here's a typical breakdown:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Natural burial ground fee (plot) | £750 – £3,000 |
| Biodegradable coffin (willow, bamboo, cardboard) | £200 – £800 |
| Funeral director's services | £1,000 – £2,500 |
| Grave digging & interment fee | £400 – £800 |
| Wooden marker or tree planting | £50 – £300 |
| Total estimated cost | £2,400 – £7,400 |
For comparison, the average attended burial in a conventional cemetery costs £3,086 (CMA funeral basket) plus cemetery fees of £800–£2,000 and a headstone costing £500–£2,000.
### Is Natural Burial Cheaper?
For the burial element: often yes. Natural burial ground fees are typically lower than municipal cemetery fees, and biodegradable coffins cost less than traditional hardwood or metal coffins. However, the total cost depends heavily on the funeral director and the level of service you choose.
Some natural burial grounds operate on a "direct green burial" model — no ceremony, no hearse, just a simple interment at the burial ground — which can cost as little as £1,500–£2,500 total.
What Happens at a Natural Burial?
A natural burial typically follows this process:
1. Choosing the site — The family selects a natural burial ground and reserves a plot. Most sites allow you to visit and choose a specific spot under a tree or in a meadow.
2. Selecting a coffin — You choose a biodegradable coffin. Willow coffins are handwoven and popular for their natural aesthetic. Cardboard coffins can be decorated by the family. Bamboo, seagrass, and wool coffins are also available.
3. Arranging the funeral — The funeral director works with the family to plan the service. Natural burial services are often held at the graveside, sometimes under a canopy, with family and friends gathering around.
4. Lowering the grave — The coffin is lowered by hand (no hydraulic machinery, to maintain the natural setting). Family members may help lower the coffin using webbing straps.
5. The interment — The grave is filled in by hand. In some sites, family members are invited to help backfill with soil and scatter wildflower seeds. A native tree sapling may be planted or a simple wooden marker placed.
6. Ongoing care — The burial ground is managed for conservation. Wildflowers grow freely, trees mature, and the site becomes a wildlife habitat. Some sites allow subsequent visits to leave flowers (in biodegradable wrapping only).
Natural Burial Grounds vs Woodland Burial — Is There a Difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but subtle differences exist:
- Natural burial ground — A dedicated site that operates exclusively on natural burial principles. May include both woodland and meadow areas.
- Woodland burial — A natural burial within a woodland setting, where trees are planted on or near the grave.
- Green cemetery — An American term increasingly used in the UK to describe burial grounds certified by the Green Burial Council or similar bodies.
- Hybrid sites — Some conventional cemeteries now offer natural burial sections, typically at lower fees than their traditional plots.
How to Find a Natural Burial Ground Near You
You can search for natural burial grounds in your area using:
- The Natural Death Centre — Maintains a comprehensive directory of over 270 natural burial grounds across the UK. Visit their website for an interactive map.
- The Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) — Represents accredited natural burial sites that meet specific environmental and operational standards.
- FuneralCompare — Search for funeral directors near you who offer natural burial services. Many independent funeral directors are experienced with natural burials and can guide you through the process.
### Choosing a Site: What to Look For
When evaluating natural burial grounds, consider:
- Location — How far from your home is the site? Will family members be able to visit easily?
- Accessibility — Is there parking? Can less mobile visitors access the burial field?
- Grave markers — What is the policy on markers? Some sites allow small wooden plaques; others permit only a tree.
- Visiting hours — Are the grounds open year-round? Some sites close during certain seasons for conservation.
- Guarantee — How is the site protected from future development? Check if it's owned by a trust or has conservation covenants.
- Cost structure — Is the plot fee a one-off payment or a lease? Are there ongoing maintenance fees?
Green Funerals Without Burial — Eco-Friendly Cremation Options
If you prefer cremation but still want an environmentally conscious choice, several options reduce the carbon footprint:
### Water Cremation (Resomation/Aquamation)
Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, uses water and alkali rather than flame to break down the body. It produces 75% fewer carbon emissions than flame cremation, consumes 90% less energy, and releases no mercury emissions from dental fillings.
The process produces a sterile liquid (returned to the water cycle) and bone ash (returned to the family), just like flame cremation.
Water cremation is legal in the UK and available at a growing number of funeral directors. Costs are comparable to flame cremation (£1,000–£1,500).
### Human Composting (Terramation)
Human composting, also called natural organic reduction or terramation, accelerates the natural decomposition process to transform the body into nutrient-rich soil over approximately 30–60 days. The soil can be returned to the family for use in a memorial garden or conservation area.
Human composting is not yet legal in the UK, though campaigns are underway to change the law. It is available in several US states, including Washington, Colorado, and Oregon.
Planning a Green Funeral: Step-by-Step
1. Choose natural burial or eco-cremation — Decide whether you want burial (creates a lasting memorial in nature) or cremation (lowest carbon footprint with water cremation).
2. Find a suitable site or provider — Use the Natural Death Centre directory for burial grounds, or search FuneralCompare for funeral directors offering green services.
3. Select a biodegradable coffin — Many online retailers sell willow, bamboo, and cardboard coffins. Your funeral director can advise on what's available.
4. Plan the service — Green funerals often feature natural decorations (wildflowers, foliage), acoustic music, and personal readings. Avoid balloons, plastic flowers, or synthetic ribbons.
5. Arrange transportation — Some families use a horse-drawn hearse or a suitably modest vehicle to minimise emissions. Others walk the coffin to the graveside if the burial ground is close.
6. Inform guests — Let attendees know it's a green funeral so they dress appropriately for the weather (services are often outdoors) and understand the natural setting.
Key Legislation and Regulations
- The Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 — Govern cremation practices. Water cremation is classified separately and requires specific authorisation.
- The Burial Act 1857 — Provides the legal framework for burial in England and Wales.
- Local authority approval — Natural burial grounds require planning permission and must comply with environmental health regulations.
- CMA Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021 — Requires all funeral directors (including those specialising in natural burial) to publish a Standardised Price List.
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is natural burial? | Burial in biodegradable materials without embalming, creating conservation habitat |
| How much does it cost? | £2,400 – £7,400 total, or as little as £1,500 for direct green burial |
| Where are natural burials legal? | Throughout the UK — over 270 active sites |
| Can I have a green funeral if I want cremation? | Yes — consider water cremation (resomation/aquamation) |
| Do I need a special funeral director? | Many independents offer natural burial services; check FuneralCompare for providers near you |
| Is a natural burial right for everyone? | Not suitable for those who want a conventional cemetery plot, headstone, or chemical preservation |
Ready to explore your options? Use FuneralCompare to find funeral directors near you with transparent CMA pricing, or visit our guides section for more information on UK funeral costs and choices.