Question 1

Why choose natural burial?

Accepted Answer

Natural burial is a simple way to become part of nature when we die. There are lots of benefits:

Nature lives on. With natural burial you become a gift to the trees, flowers, and bumble bees, buzzing off into a colourful future that never stops.
Why become pollution? Nature’s got enough chemicals, plastic and non-biodegradable material to deal with. Plant a tree or some meadow. Help nature breathe.
People love visiting. Unlike a cemetery, our natural burial sites are inviting and friendly. Bring a picnic, walk the dog, spend an hour or a day.
Open to everyone. With a lighter touch on materials, natural burial costs less. It’s open to all people and faiths. And it’s the oldest: our ancestors did it.

Question 2

Can I buy a burial plot in advance?

Accepted Answer

Our advance booking options allow you to secure a plot at one of our sites now, no matter how far in the future it may be needed. It’s surprisingly hard to book plots in advance like this in the UK due to limited capacity, especially in traditional cemeteries. We can also offer adjacent plots in advance in our wildflower meadows, although not in our woodland settings.

When you make an advance booking with us you’re securing a plot and paying for it at today’s prices. You’re also noting all arrangement choices and details in advance (natural burial approach, memorial plaque and/or tree) but these can’t be paid for in advance: they must be paid for when the plot is used.

Some people leave a provision in their will to cover these future costs, and if you’re working with a funeral director they can often keep funds reserved in line with your wishes. Advance booking for natural burial starts at £875, or £250 for natural burial of ashes.

Question 3

Does there have to be a funeral service?

Accepted Answer

There doesn’t have to be a funeral service with natural burial. We can do everything without anyone attending if that’s what works best for you. We’re also very comfortable hosting all sorts of different services, from small, simple gatherings to bigger events. We’re very flexible.

Question 4

Is it possible to be buried next to a family member or friend?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to arrange plots next to each other within our wildflower meadows, but not in our woodland settings. When booking adjacent plots in our wildflower meadows, the location of the plots is confirmed at the time of the first burial.

Question 5

Are only certain coffins and urns used with natural burial?

Accepted Answer

Natural burial means using only natural materials, so it’s crucial that any coffin or urn we place into the ground is 100% biodegradable. There should be no glues or resins used in the manufacture of these items, and this often leads to designs using willow, wicker, wool, cardboard or plain, untreated pine. We sell wool and wicker urns for natural burial of ashes here. We don’t currently sell coffins, but if you take a look at our ‘advice and support’ page it’s likely you’ll see us highlighting suppliers we can recommend.

Question 6

How long are services allowed to last?

Accepted Answer

We usually schedule one hour for natural burials, or half an hour for natural burial of ashes. If you think you will need longer than this, please let us know in advance so we can ensure there will be no crossover with other services.

Advance booking: securing a plot for the future

Start your advance booking

Advance booking: plot for natural burial
(£875)

Advance booking: plot for natural burial of ashes
(£250)

Frequently asked questions

Planning ahead

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