What is a natural burial?

What is a natural burial ground and who can be buried there? Let's find out more about this alternative funeral method.

What is a natural burial?

"Natural burial" is a term used to refer to alternative burial methods that put the environment first.


The most common type of natural burial involves burying a person's body in a natural setting like a woodland or a meadow. No embalming chemicals are used and the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud.



Other kinds of natural burial include reef ball burials, sky burials, sea burials and tree pod burials. In this guide, however, we focus on environmentally sustainable ground burials.

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How much does a natural burial cost?

Like all funerals and burial services, the prices of natural burials vary across the country. This is mainly because the availability of land is different in different places.


There are other factors that affect the price of a natural burial. Additional costs can include hiring a celebrant, planting a memory tree and arranging transportation for attendees.


The price can also change with the material you choose for the biodegradable coffin or shroud. These come in a range of materials and the prices differ accordingly.


If you want to arrange a natural burial, your best bet is to contact a funeral director like us, tell them what you want and ask for a quote.

Where do natural burials take place?

Natural ground burials can take place in a designated natural burial site. This could be in a meadow, field or woodland. Natural burials can also take place in private gardens or on private land. Some private cemeteries and crematoriums also offer natural burial as an option.


According to the Natural Death Centre (NDC), there are over 270 natural burial sites in the UK.


Other kinds of natural burial take place at sea. This could be a sea burial or a reef ball burial. There are also sky burials and space burials, although these are less environmentally friendly.

Natural burial FAQs

  • Can I have a natural burial?

    Yes – anyone can have a natural burial. You just need to ensure the body isn't embalmed and is placed in a biodegradable shroud or coffin.

  • Are natural burial grounds consecrated?

    Natural burial grounds are usually not consecrated. Their main purpose is to be environmentally friendly. Most are open to people of all faiths and no faith. It is possible, however, for individuals to have their burial plot blessed by a religious leader.

  • Can Catholics have a natural burial?

    Yes, Catholics can have a natural burial so long as it follows Catholic funeral practices. In general, the Catholic Church encourages traditional burial methods over cremation.

  • Where is natural burial legal?

    There are legal frameworks for natural burial in the UK, USA and Canada, among other countries. Natural burial is an ancient practice and widespread across the world.

  • Can you bury ashes in a natural burial?

    Yes, you can bury ashes as part of a natural burial ceremony. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that cremation isn't environmentally friendly as it releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. If sustainability is your priority, natural burial is better than burying ashes in a natural burial site.

  • What are natural burial coffins made from?

    Natural burial coffins can be made from willow, cardboard, bamboo or wicker. Biodegradable shrouds are often made out of natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

  • How do you find a natural burial site in the UK?

    There are several ways you can find a natural burial site in the UK. You could ask a funeral director for recommendations. You could ask friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances.


    There are also several online directories, including the Natural Death Centre, the Funeral Guide and the Good Funeral Guide.

  • How are natural graves marked?

    Many natural burial sites discourage the placement of large headstones or other grave markers. Instead, burial plots tend to be marked with a small plaque or memory tree.

  • What happens at a natural burial?

    A natural burial can be similar to a traditional funeral service. It's usually led by a celebrant and features tributes, eulogies and readings before the body is put in the ground.

  • Can I be buried without a coffin?

    There's no legal requirement to be buried in a coffin in the UK. The body should, however, be covered to avoid public offence. In a natural burial, it can be covered with a biodegradable shroud.

Arrange the funeral you want with AFD

At AFD, we can help you arrange a natural burial. We offer a listening ear and clear, compassionate guidelines at all stages of the process. Contact us via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.