What is a Natural Burial?

In the summer, with longer days, and balmy evenings, we tend to gravitate toward greener spaces – enjoying picnics with friends and family, or feeling the sea and sand between our toes. Taking advantage of the weather, with day trips or holidays we appreciate the restorative power of nature – being outdoors – but we’re also reminded of our own responsibility in preserving these areas of natural beauty, for future generations.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards natural burials – becoming increasingly popular with people seeking a more environmentally friendly option for their final resting place. For many, natural burials are often part of a wider green legacy

A natural burial, sometimes called a green or woodland burial, is an eco-friendly, and often simpler alternative to a traditional burial. It can involve using a biodegradable casket or shroud of linen, cotton or wool, with the burial taking place in a natural setting, such as a meadow or a woodland – rather than a cemetery. With no embalming chemicals or artificial markers, decomposition happens naturally.

What’s the difference between a Natural and a Traditional burial site?

While traditional cemeteries are owned by local authorities, natural burial sites tend to be privately owned.

Cemeteries often have two types of graves – traditional and lawn. While traditional graves allow for a larger memorial, a simple lawn grave usually only has space for a headstone. In cemeteries that have capacity you can purchase a plot, with additional fees applicable for each interment.

Natural burial grounds are unconsecrated areas of land, typically not allowing any form of permanent grave markers, although a wooden plaque or memorial may be provided. Located in rural settings where native flowers and wildlife are encouraged, the grave’s exact location will be mapped or geotagged. The sites are managed by custodians who ensure the area is kept safe, clean and accessible.

Charges for interment are still applicable in natural burial sites, with plot fees subject to locale and length of ownership.

It’s worth remembering that while local residency discounts may be available for local authority owned cemeteries, they are not available for natural burials. However, the total fee for a plot and internment can be less for a natural burial, which can inform the decision of those looking to reduce the overall cost of a funeral.

Why choose a Natural Burial?

But choosing a natural burial isn’t simply determined by price is it?

Like a traditional funeral choosing a natural burial is a deeply personal decision and is often considered for the following reasons:

Reducing any environmental impact: Natural burials have a minimal impact on the environment, and are often chosen by those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Embalming chemicals and artificial grave markers can pollute the soil and water. By allowing the body to decompose naturally, natural burials enrich the soil.
Personal to you and your loved ones: Families can choose the location of the burial, the type of casket or shroud, and any personal items to be buried with the body. And while natural burial sites are unconsecrated, officiants or ministers are often allowed to bless the graves in faith-based services – creating a respectful and personal send-off of loved ones.
Affordability: Natural burials can be more affordable than traditional burials with no associated costs for embalming, or artificial grave markers. Those who chose to proceed with a natural burial often make further decisions when arranging the funeral to be eco-friendlier – guided by a desire to live, and die, more sustainably.

Sustainability and the Green Legacy

As people become more aware of the impact their actions have on the environment, they are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and leave a positive legacy for future generations. The growing popularity of natural burials is part of a broader movement towards living more sustainably. Green legacy funerals are a trend that incorporates natural burials and other eco-friendly practices that may include:

Going Digital: In their 2024 Cost of Dying Report SunLife identified several key ways in which families were looking to reduce funeral costs. The digitisation of funerals, from social media invites, web link services, digital programs and online tributes not only reduce the cost of a funeral, but also the carbon footprint of the service.
Sourcing Local: Using locally produced food and flowers for any type of funeral service or Celebration of Life can reduce the transportation required and is often seen as a small, but sustainable change that also supports local supply chains.
Going Electric: Opting for an electric hearse or even a traditional horse and carriage reduces harmful emissions and can be used for someone wanting a more traditional service while striving to be more environmentally friendly.
Charitable Donations: Nominating an environmental charity that family and friends can donate to, in honour of a loved one, can be a simple way of commiting to a green legacy.
Tree Planting: Many natural burial sites do not allow the planting of a tree directly over the grave. However, planting a tree in memory of someone elsewhere, not only provides a lasting memorial, it absorbs CO2, produces oxygen and helps restore biodiversity – creating greener spaces for future generations.

Remember it is Your Choice

Natural burials and green legacy funerals are becoming increasingly popular, but they are not suitable for everyone. Some people may prefer the rituals and practices associated with traditional burials. Ultimately, the choice of how to be buried is a personal one. It is important to consider your own values, beliefs, and preferences when making any decision:

Do you want specific cultural or religious practices as part of your burial?
Are you intending to be buried with relatives?
Do you want to be cremated and have your ashes scattered – not all natural burial sites allow this
Do you want a permanent headstone friends and family can visit?
Would you like to be buried locally and are there natural burial sites in your area?
Do you want a traditional coffin or would you be happy with a biodegradable casket or shroud?
Do you want to be embalmed? It is worth remembering there are situations, like repatriation, where it is necessary.

And remember to talk to your loved ones about the type of funeral you want, so when the time comes, they can honour your wishes.

With You Every Step Of The Way

Whether you choose a natural burial, a green legacy funeral, or a traditional burial, the most important thing is to create a memorable and meaningful experience.

If you are considering a natural burial, here at Coles Funeral Directors we’ll work with you to tailor the funeral, taking care of every detail.

Choosing a meaningful location: We work with Leedam Natural Burial Grounds who have beautiful sites at Cardiff & The Vale and Usk Castle Chase for those looking for peaceful, natural places of rest, in the Cardiff area. We would only recommend using legitimate, designated natural burial sites, to ensure the correct planning permissions and future development considerations are in place.
Selecting a bespoke coffin: We have an extensive range for Eco-friendly coffins and caskets including English willow, handmade wicker and twisted seagrass.
Including personal items: It’s important to remember natural burials require all personal items buried to be biodegradable. Our experienced team can help you understand the options available to you.
Creating a meaningful ceremony: We will help you arrange a funeral that respects the wishes, beliefs and values of the individual – if leaving a green legacy plays an important part in that memory, we’re here to guide you through the decisions you’ll need to make.

Dealing with funeral arrangements can be overwhelming; we’re here for you, any time, day or night.