Natural and woodland burial

A natural burial, often called a woodland or green burial, takes place in a natural burial ground: a meadow, woodland or field managed for wildlife rather than as a traditional cemetery. Graves usually have no headstone, and over time the site returns to nature.

The Association of Natural Burial Grounds alone lists over 70 member sites across the UK.

Why people choose natural burial

• to have a lower environmental impact
• to be buried somewhere peaceful and green, rather than in a formal cemetery
• because the person loved the countryside or wildlife
• because families want a more personal, less formal service, sometimes held at the graveside

What's different

Embalming

Most natural burial grounds won't accept a body that has been embalmed, except in exceptional circumstances, because the chemicals can harm the ground.

Coffins

Most insist on a biodegradable coffin or shroud.

Memorials

Graves are marked simply, or not at all (see below).

The land

The site is managed for nature, so graves may be in a meadow or among trees rather than in neat rows.

Coffins and shrouds

Suitable options include coffins made of willow, wicker, seagrass, bamboo, cardboard or sustainably sourced wood, and shrouds of wool or linen. Check what the burial ground accepts before you buy. A funeral director can supply these, or you can buy one yourself.

How graves are marked

Each site has its own rules, so ask. Depending on the site:

• a tree may be planted on or near the grave
• a small wooden marker or a flat plaque may be allowed
• there may be a shared memorial, such as a plaque or bench
• some sites allow no grave markers at all

Ask how the position of the grave is recorded, so you can find it again.

Questions to ask a natural burial ground

• Is it a member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds?
• Who owns and runs the site, and what happens to it in the long term?
• What does a plot cost, and what does the price include (digging, the burial, a tree or marker)?
• Which coffins and shrouds do you accept? Do you accept embalmed bodies?
• What can we put on the grave, if anything?
• Can we hold a service at the graveside, or is there a shelter or building?
• Can we visit at any time?
• How is the position of the grave recorded?
• Can ashes be buried there too?

Finding a natural burial ground

Search our woodland burial sites listings. The Natural Death Centre, a charity, publishes a list of Association of Natural Burial Grounds members at naturaldeath.org.uk.

You can arrange a natural burial through a funeral director, or arrange the funeral yourself. Many natural burial grounds are used to helping families who do.

Find local help

woodland burial sites · funeral directors near you

Sources, checked 11 September 2026

• Natural Death Centre, Find a natural burial site: list of Association of Natural Burial Grounds members (72 UK member sites counted on 11 September 2026): naturaldeath.org.uk
• Ministry of Justice, Natural burial grounds: guidance for operators (2009): assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
• The Good Funeral Guide, Natural burials: goodfuneralguide.co.uk/natural-burials/
• NAFD Funeral Directory, Green funerals and natural burial (2026)