Natural Burial Grounds Directory UK
How do I find natural burial grounds in the UK?
270+ natural burial sites across UK. Use Natural Death Centre directory (naturaldeath.org.uk) or Association of Natural Burial Grounds map (anbg.co.uk) to search. Sites organized by region: England (200+), Scotland (30+), Wales (25+), Northern Ireland (10+). Types: woodland (most common), meadow, coastal, churchyard sections. Costs £800-£2,000 for plot. Visit sites before deciding if possible.
- Total UK sites: 270+ natural burial grounds
- Find sites: Natural Death Centre or ANBG directories
- Site types: Woodland, meadow, coastal, churchyard
- Plot costs: £800-£2,000 depending on location
- Distribution: Most in England, growing in all regions
- Visit first: Most sites welcome viewings
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Natural burial grounds, also called green burial sites or eco-cemeteries, are conservation areas where people can be buried in biodegradable materials. This directory helps you find natural burial sites across the UK, understand different types of sites, compare costs, and choose the right location for your green funeral.
- Over 270 natural burial sites across the UK
- Sites range from established woodlands to new meadows
- Costs vary £800-£2,000 for burial plot
- Most sites welcome visitors and viewings
- Sites must use biodegradable materials only
- Long-term conservation protection required
How to find natural burial grounds
Two main directories help you find natural burial sites in the UK:
Natural Death Centre
The UK's leading charity for natural death maintains comprehensive directory of natural burial grounds.
- Website: naturaldeath.org.uk
- Lists 270+ sites across UK
- Searchable by postcode and region
- Site details, contact info, costs
- Independent site reviews
- Free to access directory
Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG)
Trade association representing certified natural burial grounds.
- Website: anbg.co.uk
- Interactive map of member sites
- Quality assured certification
- Detailed site information
- Environmental standards verified
- Code of conduct compliance
Natural burial sites by region
England (200+ sites)
Most natural burial sites in UK. Well distributed across regions.
- South East: 50+ sites
- South West: 40+ sites
- East of England: 30+ sites
- North West: 25+ sites
- Yorkshire: 20+ sites
- West Midlands: 15+ sites
- East Midlands: 15+ sites
- North East: 10+ sites
Scotland (30+ sites)
Growing number across Scotland.
- Central Belt: Most sites
- Highlands: Several rural sites
- Borders: Established grounds
- Islands: Limited but available
Wales (25+ sites)
Beautiful sites across Wales.
- South Wales: Well represented
- North Wales: Coastal & mountain
- Mid Wales: Rural locations
Northern Ireland (10+ sites)
Growing slowly.
Types of natural burial sites
Woodland burial sites
Most common type. Burial in established or newly planted woodland. Best for: Traditional forest setting, shade, established trees.
Examples: Ancient woodland sites, newly planted native forests
Meadow burial sites
Open grassland with wildflowers. Often more sun, views. Best for: Wildflower preference, open sky, light.
Examples: Wildflower meadows, conservation grasslands
Coastal burial sites
Near coast with sea views. Limited availability. Best for: Love of sea, coastal landscapes.
Examples: Clifftop sites, coastal conservation areas
Churchyard natural sections
Natural burial areas within church grounds. Consecrated. Best for: Religious connection, traditional setting.
Examples: Church of England, some Catholic churches
Natural burial ground costs
Typical cost breakdown:
- Burial plot (exclusive right)£800-£2,000
- Interment fee (digging, admin)£400-£800
- Memorial tree planting£50-£200
- Double plot (for couples)£1,200-£3,000
- Total site costs£1,250-£3,000
Plus biodegradable coffin £200-£800 and funeral director (optional) £1,000-£2,000
How to choose a natural burial site
Key factors to consider:
- Location and accessibility: Can family visit easily? Parking available?
- Setting type: Woodland, meadow, coastal? What feels right?
- Management and ownership: Who runs it? Long-term protection?
- Costs and what's included: Clear pricing? Hidden fees?
- Memorial options: Tree planting? Markers allowed? GPS provided?
- Environmental credentials: ANBG certified? Conservation plan?
- Rules and restrictions: Coffin requirements? Service allowed on site?
- Visiting arrangements: Open access or restricted? Facilities?
Visit sites before deciding
Most natural burial grounds welcome visitors. Phone ahead to arrange a viewing. Walk the grounds, meet the manager, ask questions. The right site should feel peaceful and appropriate. Trust your instinct - you'll know when you've found the right place.
Take photos, make notes, and visit more than one site if possible to compare before making your decision.
Questions to ask when visiting sites
- How long has the site been operating?
- What are the long-term protection arrangements?
- Who owns and manages the land?
- What's included in the plot price?
- Are there any annual or ongoing fees?
- What biodegradable coffin/shroud options are accepted?
- Can we hold a service here? Bring celebrant/minister?
- What memorial options are available?
- How will we locate the plot in future?
- Are there visiting restrictions or opening hours?
- What happens if the site reaches capacity?
- Is the site ANBG certified or Natural Death Centre listed?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many natural burial grounds are there in the UK?
There are over 270 natural burial grounds across the UK. England has 200+ sites, Scotland 30+, Wales 25+, and Northern Ireland 10+. Sites range from established woodland to new meadows, coastal locations, and churchyard sections. The Natural Death Centre and Association of Natural Burial Grounds maintain comprehensive directories searchable by postcode and region.
How much does a natural burial plot cost?
Natural burial plots cost £800-£2,000 depending on location. Interment fees add £400-£800. Memorial tree planting costs £50-£200. Total site costs are typically £1,250-£3,000. Sites in South East England and near cities are more expensive (£1,500-£2,000), while rural sites in Wales, Scotland, and northern England are cheaper (£800-£1,200).
How do I find natural burial sites near me?
Use the Natural Death Centre directory at naturaldeath.org.uk or the Association of Natural Burial Grounds map at anbg.co.uk. Both let you search by postcode and region. Sites are listed with contact details, costs, and what they offer. Most sites welcome visitors - phone ahead to arrange a viewing before deciding.
What types of natural burial sites are available?
Four main types: Woodland burial sites (most common, in established or new woodland), meadow burial sites (open grassland with wildflowers), coastal burial sites (near sea with views, limited availability), and churchyard natural sections (consecrated ground within church grounds). Each offers different settings and atmospheres.
Can I visit natural burial grounds before deciding?
Yes, most natural burial grounds welcome visitors and viewings. Phone ahead to arrange a visit. You can walk the grounds, meet the manager, ask questions about costs and rules, and get a feel for the setting. It's recommended to visit multiple sites if possible to compare before making your decision.
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