Green Funeral Planning UK
How do I plan a green funeral in the UK?
Planning a green funeral involves choosing eco-friendly options at each stage. Main steps: decide between natural burial (£1,500-£3,500) or green cremation (£1,800-£3,000), find a natural burial site or eco-funeral director, select a biodegradable coffin (£200-£800), avoid embalming chemicals, and plan a sustainable memorial service. Timeline: 3-7 days minimum from death to burial. Over 270 natural burial sites across the UK.
- Choose burial type: Natural/woodland burial, green cremation, or resomation (water cremation)
- Find providers: Natural burial grounds or eco-specialist funeral directors
- Select materials: Biodegradable coffin (wicker, cardboard, bamboo, willow)
- Avoid chemicals: No embalming required by UK law
- Plan memorial: Tree planting, wildflower seeds, or natural markers
- Total cost: £1,500-£4,000 (vs £4,000-£8,000 traditional)
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Planning a green funeral allows you to create a meaningful, environmentally responsible farewell for your loved one. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of planning an eco-friendly funeral in the UK, from choosing the right type of green funeral to understanding costs and finding providers. Green funerals typically cost 40-60% less than traditional funerals while having a positive environmental impact.
- Green funerals cost £1,500-£4,000 vs £4,000-£8,000 for traditional
- Planning takes 3-7 days minimum from death to funeral
- Three main options: natural burial, green cremation, or resomation
- 270+ natural burial sites across the UK
- Must use biodegradable materials and avoid embalming
- Reduces carbon footprint by up to 90% compared to traditional funerals
Step 1: Understanding your green funeral options
The first step in planning a green funeral is understanding the main types available in the UK:
Natural burial (woodland or meadow)
Burial in a natural conservation area using biodegradable materials. The most eco-friendly option with virtually zero carbon emissions.
- Cost: £1,500-£3,500 total
- Timeline: 3-7 days minimum
- Environmental impact: Minimal; creates wildlife habitat
- Memorial: Tree, shrub, or wildflower planting
- Best for: Maximum environmental benefit, nature lovers
Green cremation
Traditional cremation with biodegradable coffin and no embalming. More emissions than burial but still eco-conscious.
- Cost: £1,800-£3,000
- Timeline: 5-10 days typically
- Environmental impact: Moderate (400kg CO₂)
- Memorial: Ashes scattered in natural settings
- Best for: Those who prefer cremation but want eco elements
Resomation (water cremation)
Uses water and alkaline instead of flames. 90% less emissions than cremation but limited UK availability.
- Cost: £1,800-£2,500
- Timeline: 7-14 days typically
- Environmental impact: Very low (40kg CO₂)
- Memorial: Remains returned like cremation
- Best for: Lowest carbon alternative to cremation
Step 2: Finding a natural burial site or provider
Once you've decided on the type of green funeral, you need to find appropriate sites and providers:
Finding natural burial sites:
- Natural Death Centre: Directory of 270+ natural burial sites at naturaldeath.org.uk
- Association of Natural Burial Grounds: Searchable map of certified sites at anbg.co.uk
- Local authority: Some councils have natural burial sections in cemeteries
- Private woodland sites: Dedicated natural burial grounds across the UK
- Churchyards: Some churches offer natural burial in consecrated ground
What to look for in a natural burial site
- ✓Long-term management plan and legal protection
- ✓Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Location convenient for family to visit
- ✓Setting that resonates with you (woodland, meadow, coastal)
- ✓Memorial options that suit your preferences
- ✓Environmental certifications and conservation credentials
Green funeral directors
You can arrange a green funeral yourself or work with a specialist funeral director:
- Specialist eco funeral directors: Green Fuse, Poppy's, Greener Endings, Green Funeral Company
- Traditional funeral directors: Most now offer green funeral packages
- Co-op Funeralcare: Offers resomation at select UK locations
- Direct cremation providers: Pure Cremation, Distinct Cremations with eco options
Step 3: Choosing biodegradable coffins and materials
All green funerals require biodegradable materials. Here's what to consider:
| Material | Cost | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | £200-£400 | Most affordable, can be decorated, simple |
| Wicker/willow | £400-£800 | Traditional look, handcrafted, beautiful |
| Bamboo | £500-£900 | Sustainable, attractive, sturdy |
| Wool | £600-£1,000 | Unique, British-made, soft |
| Shroud | £50-£200 | Most natural, cotton or linen, minimal |
For detailed comparison of all biodegradable coffin options, see our complete guide to biodegradable coffin options.
Step 4: Understanding green funeral costs
Green funerals are typically 40-60% cheaper than traditional funerals. Here's a detailed cost breakdown:
Natural burial cost breakdown
- Burial plot at natural site£800-£2,000
- Interment fee (digging, administration)£400-£800
- Biodegradable coffin or shroud£200-£800
- Memorial tree or planting£50-£200
- Funeral director fees (optional)£1,000-£2,000
- Transport£200-£400
- Total natural burial£1,500-£3,500
Green cremation cost breakdown
- Cremation fee£700-£1,000
- Biodegradable coffin£200-£400
- Funeral director fees (optional)£800-£1,500
- Transport£200-£400
- Total green cremation£1,800-£3,000
For comprehensive 2026 cost analysis including regional variations, see our detailed green funeral costs guide.
Step 5: Legal requirements and timeline
Green funerals must meet the same legal requirements as traditional funerals:
Legal checklist:
- Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
- Obtain death certificate and registrar's certificate for burial/cremation
- Medical certificate of cause of death completed by doctor
- Burial authority permission from the natural burial site
- Environmental Agency compliance for burial sites (groundwater protection)
- Burial depth requirements (typically 1 metre to top of coffin)
- No embalming required by UK law (always optional)
Minimum 3 days from death to burial (to allow for death registration). Most green funerals take place 5-10 days after death. Natural burial sites are flexible but you must coordinate availability with the burial ground.
Step 6: Planning the memorial service
Green funerals can include full memorial services, just with eco-friendly elements:
- Venue: Many natural burial sites have outdoor ceremony areas or shelters
- Alternative venues: Can hold service at home, community hall, or place of worship
- Flowers: Use locally-grown fresh flowers, avoid plastic wrapping and oasis foam
- Orders of service: Print on recycled paper or use digital programmes
- Transport: Minimise journeys, consider car sharing
- Catering: Local, seasonal, plant-based food options
- Clothing: No specific requirements, wear what feels appropriate
Step 7: Choosing memorial options
Green funerals offer natural, living memorials instead of traditional headstones:
Tree planting
Native species like oak, beech, rowan, or birch. The tree grows as a living memorial and helps wildlife. Cost: £50-£200.
Wildflower meadow
Seeds scattered to create wildflower area. Attracts pollinators and creates beautiful seasonal displays. Cost: £30-£100.
Natural markers
Small native stone or wooden marker (if permitted). GPS coordinates provided for exact location. Cost: £50-£150.
Memorial bench
Some sites offer recycled material benches in memorial areas. Cost: £500-£2,000.
Complete green funeral planning checklist
Your green funeral planning checklist
- Register the death and obtain death certificate
- Decide on type of green funeral (natural burial, cremation, resomation)
- Research and visit natural burial sites or providers
- Book burial plot or cremation slot
- Select biodegradable coffin or shroud
- Confirm no embalming chemicals will be used
- Plan memorial service with eco-friendly elements
- Select memorial option (tree, wildflowers, marker)
- Arrange local, seasonal flowers or alternatives
- Coordinate timing with burial ground and attendees
Environmental impact of green funerals
Understanding the environmental benefits helps demonstrate why green funerals matter:
Carbon emissions comparison:
- Traditional burial800kg CO₂
- Traditional cremation400kg CO₂
- Green cremation400kg CO₂ (but biodegradable materials)
- Resomation (water cremation)40kg CO₂ (90% reduction)
- Natural burialNear zero (becomes carbon sink)
Additional environmental benefits
- ✓Wildlife habitats: Natural burial sites support dozens of species
- ✓Carbon sequestration: Memorial trees absorb 1+ tonne CO₂ over 25 years
- ✓No toxic chemicals: Prevents formaldehyde and other pollutants entering soil
- ✓Protected land: Burial sites preserved from development permanently
- ✓Resource conservation: Eliminates concrete, metals, treated woods
Common questions about planning green funerals
Can I plan a green funeral without a funeral director?
Yes, you can arrange a DIY green funeral. You'll need to coordinate directly with the natural burial site, source a biodegradable coffin, arrange transport, and handle paperwork. This saves money but requires more time and organisation. See our DIY funeral guide for details.
How quickly can I arrange a green funeral?
Minimum 3 days from death (to allow for death registration). Most natural burial sites are flexible with timing. Green funerals typically take place 5-10 days after death, giving time to coordinate with family and arrange biodegradable materials.
Are green funerals accepted by all religions?
Most religions permit green burials. Jewish and Muslim traditions favour simple burials without embalming, which aligns well with natural burial. Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, and Sikh faiths generally accept green funerals. Always check with your religious leader for specific requirements.
Can I pre-plan and pre-pay for a green funeral?
Yes, many natural burial sites sell plots in advance, and some green funeral directors offer pre-paid plans. This locks in current prices and ensures your wishes are followed. Consider funeral plans with FCA-regulated providers for financial protection.
What if there's no natural burial site near me?
With 270+ sites across the UK, most people are within reasonable distance of a natural burial ground. If not, consider green cremation with biodegradable coffin, or some traditional cemeteries now offer natural burial sections. Private land burial is possible with proper permissions.
How do I know if a provider is genuinely eco-friendly?
Look for Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) certification, clear environmental policies, transparent pricing, long-term land protection measures, and specific details about biodegradable materials. Ask direct questions about their eco credentials and conservation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does planning a green funeral cost?
Green funerals cost £1,500-£4,000 depending on choices. Natural burial costs £1,500-£3,500 (burial plot £800-£2,000, interment £400-£800, biodegradable coffin £200-£800, tree planting £50-£200). Green cremation costs £1,800-£3,000. This is 40-60% cheaper than traditional funerals (£4,000-£8,000+).
How long does it take to plan and arrange a green funeral?
Minimum 3 days from death to burial (to allow for death registration). Most green funerals take place 5-10 days after death. Natural burial sites are generally flexible with timing. Planning can be done quickly once you've chosen the burial site and biodegradable coffin type.
What are the steps to plan a green funeral in the UK?
Key steps: 1) Register death and obtain certificate, 2) Decide on type (natural burial, green cremation, or resomation), 3) Find natural burial site or eco-funeral director, 4) Select biodegradable coffin or shroud, 5) Confirm no embalming, 6) Plan eco-friendly memorial service, 7) Choose memorial option (tree, wildflowers), 8) Arrange local flowers and sustainable elements.
Can I plan a green funeral without a funeral director?
Yes, you can arrange a DIY green funeral to save money. You'll coordinate directly with the natural burial site, source a biodegradable coffin, arrange transport, and handle legal paperwork. This requires more organisation but can save £1,000-£2,000 in funeral director fees. Many natural burial grounds support DIY funerals.
Where can I find natural burial sites for green funerals?
Use the Natural Death Centre directory (naturaldeath.org.uk) which lists 270+ natural burial sites across the UK. The Association of Natural Burial Grounds (anbg.co.uk) has a searchable map of certified sites. Local authorities may have natural burial sections in cemeteries. Visit sites before deciding if possible.
What is the most environmentally friendly funeral option?
Natural burial is most eco-friendly, producing virtually zero emissions and actively creating wildlife habitat. Memorial trees absorb CO₂ over time, making burial sites carbon sinks. Resomation (water cremation) is second-best with 90% less emissions than traditional cremation (40kg vs 400kg CO₂). Both avoid toxic chemicals and use biodegradable materials.
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