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Planning ahead

Preparing for natural burial some time in the future

We love seeing people think ahead about how they want their end of life plans to work, or proactively helping someone else to make arrangements. Get in touch with us about our ‘make a plan’ tool (coming soon) — we’re always happy to chat on the phone or on email if you’d prefer.

Preparing for natural
burial now or soon

If you want to prepare for a natural burial in the near future, below is some information about how things work, how to enlist us, and what to expect on the day.

How do I enlist Tithe Green?

Step 1.

If you want to arrange a natural burial now or soon and you’d like to ask how it works or talk through some options, give us a call on 01623 677 100 or drop us an email: info@tithegreen.com

Step 2.

Most people enlist the services of a funeral director, but you don’t have to. If you are working with a funeral director they will liaise with to make arrangements. If you don’t have a funeral director and you’re looking for one, you can find a list of local funeral directors here. There is also good information and advice available via the Natural Death Centre.

Step 3.

Once everything has been arranged we will confirm a date for the burial, and this can either be attended or unattended. We welcome services of all shapes and sizes and all religions so the day can be however you want it to be.

What should I expect on the day?

Natural burial of ashes

In a wildflower meadow setting

A member of our team will meet you and take to the prepared plot. We can discuss your requirements and preferences in advance, as well as on the day, but generally we will assist you in placing the ashes in the ground, then leave you some space and time. Generally we book 30 minutes for natural burial of ashes, but if you think you’d like longer, just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure no other burials are scheduled in the same area.

In a woodland setting

In woodland settings we plant a memorial tree with natural burial of ashes. There will be a number of plots available for you to choose from when you arrive. If you have a specific place in mind, please discuss this with us in advance of your booking. We place the tree and ashes together and then plant the tree. Everybody is welcome get involved with tree planting if they’d like, including children.

Natural burial

For natural burials you can choose to have a service at the burial plot, if you prefer you can have this elsewhere before burial. Most people choose to have a celebrant lead the service, but this can be done by anybody you’d like to lead. Your funeral directors will advise you about this, and will make us aware of your preferences.

We welcome services of all different kinds, including any and all religions, and these can range from small gatherings with some favourite music played, to bigger events. We’re very flexible.

What paperwork do I need?

For natural burials we do require some formal paperwork before we can proceed. This will be dealt with by your funeral director. If you are not using their services, please contact us to talk through what’s required.

For natural burial of ashes we require a copy (or the original) of the cremation certificate, which you will usually receive alongside the ashes. You can bring this with you on the day.

How does it compare?

Tithe Green Natural Burial

Natural Burial starts from £1,675 depending on your setting, and other choices.

We only use biodegradable materials for our coffins and urns, including cardboard, willow and wicker.
Family-owned sites, dedicated to biodiversity, conservation and preserving the land for future generations. Our sites are open to visitors every day for people to come and enjoy.
No harmful chemicals from embalming or from materials, which can pollute the soil.
No greenhouse gases (released through traditional cremation).

How does it compare?

Traditional Burial

Traditional burial costs on average £2,200, and more once you factor in cremation.

Many traditional burials use coffins made out of non-sustainable hardwoods such as mahogany and oak, plus a range of other materials (for the handles, lining, etc.) that are not biodegradable at all.
When a traditional cemetery is full, there’s not much more you can do with the land. People can still visit the graves, but the environment is no longer able to move and grow.
Harmful chemicals from embalming can pollute the soil, affecting the surrounding ecosystems and wildlife.
Studies have found CO2 emissions for traditional burial are roughly 3.6 times that of cremation, while green burial can be climate positive.

Booking a plot in advance

Advance booking means securing 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.

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 (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.

Woodland

Woodland burials involve tree planting, boosting the habitat for birds and natural wildlife. Our woodlands are peaceful places to visit, and it’s lovely seeing the trees inch taller over time. Adjacent plots aren’t possible here.

Wildflower meadow

Wildflower meadows are home to vital insects and other pollinators like butterflies and our increasingly endangered bees. We place plaques instead of trees in these colourful, changing spaces. Adjacent plots are possible here.

Frequently asked questions

See all FAQs

Making a plan

We’ll guide you through each step, including our available sites, approaches, settings, and any extras.

If you’d like to talk just give us a call on
01623 677 100 or drop us an email: info@tithegreen.com

Speak to us

If you’d like to talk just give us a call (01623 677 100) or drop us an email: info@tithegreen.com