Natural and green burials have increased in popularity as more of us become aware of our carbon footprint and want to reduce it. Burial grounds differ in size and there are many across the UK. Most people aren’t aware of how many natural burial grounds are within their local vicinity.
What is a Natural Burial
Natural burial is the burial of a body in the most natural way possible in a woodland, field, or natural setting. It is a burial with a biodegradable coffin, natural material shroud or a natural materials burial pod. This is how we buried our dead before the modern life filled with plastic, metals, chemicals and other non-biodegradable substances and materials.
Unlike traditional churchyards, and cemeteries, natural burial grounds usually do not have headstones, mausoleums, family crypts, flower urns, teddy bears, eternal flames, coloured grave chippings, flowers on graves or conspicuous grave statues marking each grave. Opting instead for simple grave markers which are generally flat to the ground and note the person’s name, date of birth and date of death. No poem spaces, photographs, prayers, or personal tributes spaces, just this information.
Unlike traditional cemeteries and churchyards, it is rare to find a double grave plot in a natural burial ground. This is because graves are shallower than in traditional burial as the point is to return the body to nature as fast as possible.
Green Burials
Green burials are the same principal but can differ. Most natural and green burial grounds and parks are privately owned by individuals. They may or may not adhere to the same rules as others. Some state embalmed bodies aren’t accepted, some allow embalmed bodies to be buried on their site.
Green burials aren’t possible for any embalmed bodies due to the chemicals being released into the earth. Natural and green burials sites are havens for wildlife and any chemicals which may go into the earth will affect the flora and fauna.
Woodlands and Meadows
Woodlands and flower meadows which are natural burial sites are beautiful. Calm, serene and colourful. Seasonal changes bring different colours with flowers, trees, and bushes. Trees can be planted in memory of a person who has died in some natural burial grounds, but this is something to agree when arranging a burial as too many or close together trees will have an impact on the natural surroundings.
Bright yellow fields of daffodils, a carpet of snowdrops and a sea of bluebells with trees around them and blue skies above are a sought after environment in opposition to what can be seen to be grey and gloomy churchyards.
Councils and companies have purchased land which they refer to as natural burial grounds. Some are attached to established and existing traditional cemeteries. These aren’t truly natural burial grounds, and it is advisable to find out more information if considering purchasing a plot.
Coffins and Shrouds
As previously touched on, coffins and shrouds for natural and green burials can differ than those used for traditional burial or cremation. Bamboo, wool, calico, banana leaf, wicker, untreated natural wood, and cardboard are some of the usual materials used for coffins. There is debate by some on the eco-friendly aspects of cardboard coffins due to the glue used in the manufacture of them. Further information and advice as to what is allowed is available from the office of each burial ground.
Shrouds are preferred by some, and materials used for them include felt, wool, natural cotton, and unbleached bamboo yarn. People may decide to use blankets or sheets, and this allowed if the materials are natural. Shrouds can be made using clothing of the person who has died such as their shirts or t-shirts.
Burial pods are also made of the same materials. A burial pod (also known as a cocoon) has woven or rope handles to carry as a coffin does.
Natural and Green Burials
Not all natural and green burial grounds will have a ceremony room. There are still a few which do not. This means the entire ceremony is held at the graveside. Music can still be played on a portable speaker, and some will provide a cover if it is raining or hot sunshine. Chairs may or may not be available and it could be difficult for those with limited mobility if the grave isn’t close to a car park, and there is any uneven ground.
Ceremonies are usually longer in time as time constraints which are in place for cremations or ceremonies held within a venue used for other funerals aren’t the same.
What is used during a natural or green burial ceremony must also adhere to any agreed items by the owners. Bubbles, flower petals, wildflower seeds, flowers without any plastic, metal or floristry foam, letters or messages can all usually be used and go into the grave. Balloons, fire lanterns, fake flowers, teddys bears, glass or metal cans and any plastic cannot. These items may be allowed during the ceremony, but they must be taken away afterwards.
What to Wear to Natural or Green Burials
Funerals or celebration of life ceremonies which take place before a natural or green burial happen may vary from traditional funerals. Whsat you decide to wear should be decided on by the stated dress code of those arranging the funeral.
If the ceremony is to be held in a ceremony room, then moving outside for the burial, suitable footwear is advised. In a natural space the ground can be uneven, perhaps wet, muddy, slippery, ivy or frosty. A woodland, meadow or natural burial ground isn’t the place for your best designer shoes or heels.
There maybe a walk to get to the grave so washable clothing would be more appropriate than dry clean only clothing. In an outdoor, natural environment, open to the elements, it’s a good idea to have an umbrella, waterproof coat, sunglasses, and a hat. Strong body spray, perfume or aftershave could attract unwelcomed attention from wasps, horse flies or other insects.
Spare shoes or boots and a plastic bag or a box to put muddy footwear in will prevent your car mats from needing cleaning.
How Much Does a Natural or Green Burial Cost
Like traditional burial and cremations, the price of natural or green burials differs from area to area, ground to park. Which funeral director is used will alter the price too if a coffin, shroud, or other items are purchased through them rather than online.
Unlike council owned cemeteries, woodland and natural burial plots can be for the length of duration of the existence of the ground as a natural burial place. A few may have a lease time for the plot as council run cemeteries do. Information on this can be obtained directly from the desired ground or park offices.
If a funeral director is used (they do not have to be), their fees will need to be paid too.
If a funeral or a celebration of life is to take place which is to be led and organised completely by the family and friends of the person who has died, advice on how to do this can be found online.
Further information on natural and green burial sites in and around you area can be found online.
If you require further information on how to book me to help you create a ceremony for a natural or green burial, contact me.