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Burial in forest, meadow or conservation area using biodegradable coffin or shroud, with tree planted as living memorial. Costs £1,500-£3,500 (half the price of traditional burial). No embalming or non-biodegradable materials allowed. Over 270 sites across UK.
Woodland burial, also called natural burial or green burial, allows people to be buried in beautiful natural settings like forests, meadows, or conservation areas as part of the funeral arrangement process. Instead of traditional gravestones, trees or wildflowers mark burial sites. This guide explains everything about woodland burials in the UK.
Key points at a glance:
Woodland burial is a type of natural burial where the deceased is laid to rest in a natural setting. Key features include:
Typical cost breakdown
- Burial plot at natural site — £800-£2,000
- Interment fee (digging, admin) — £400-£800
- Biodegradable coffin — £200-£800
- Memorial tree or planting — £50-£200
- Funeral director fees (optional) — £1,000-£2,000
- Total cost — £1,500-£3,500
Compare with traditional burial
- Traditional cemetery plot — £1,500-£4,000
- Interment and maintenance fees — £800-£1,500
- Traditional coffin — £500-£2,000
- Headstone — £800-£3,000
- Total traditional burial — £4,000-£10,000+
There are over 270 natural burial sites across the UK:
Finding a site near you
Use the Natural Death Centre directory or Association of Natural Burial Grounds website to search for approved sites. Many sites offer virtual or in-person viewings.
Visit sites before deciding if possible - each has different character, from established woodland to new meadow sites.
Woodland burial has significant environmental advantages:
Environmental impact:
A single woodland burial site can support dozens of plant and animal species. Over 25 years, a memorial tree can absorb over 1 tonne of CO2. Traditional burial plots, by contrast, often use pesticides and maintain grass monocultures that support little biodiversity.
Woodland burial must meet specific legal standards:
Advantages
- ✓ Beautiful, peaceful natural settings
- ✓ Significantly cheaper than traditional burial
- ✓ Positive environmental impact
- ✓ Living memorial that grows over time
- ✓ Supports conservation and wildlife
- ✓ Less maintenance required by family
- ✓ Can still have full funeral service
Considerations
- • Sites may be rural or distant from family
- • No traditional headstone or permanent marker
- • Site appearance changes naturally over time
- • Restrictions on flowers, decorations, and memorials
- • May be muddy or difficult to access in winter
- • Not all religions permit natural burial
- • Family may need GPS coordinates to locate exact plot
Can I be buried with my partner in woodland burial?
Yes, most sites offer double plots or allow burials close together. Discuss with the burial ground in advance to reserve adjacent plots.
What type of coffin is required for woodland burial?
Coffins must be biodegradable - typically wicker, bamboo, cardboard, or solid wood with no varnish or metal handles. Some sites also allow natural shrouds. Each site has specific requirements.
How do I find the grave after burial?
Most sites provide GPS coordinates and maps. Some use small natural stone markers or numbered posts. The memorial tree also helps locate the spot as it grows.
Can I pre-purchase a woodland burial plot?
Yes, many natural burial grounds sell plots in advance. This ensures you get your preferred location and locks in current prices. Some offer payment plans.
What if the burial site goes out of business?
Reputable sites have long-term management plans and legal protections. Many are registered charities or have covenants protecting the land. Always check the site's credentials and management structure.
Can I have a religious service at a woodland burial?
Yes, most sites welcome services from any faith tradition. You can bring your own minister, priest, or celebrant. Some sites have outdoor areas or shelters for ceremonies.
A peaceful return to nature
Woodland burial offers a beautiful way to return to the earth in a natural setting. As your memorial tree grows, it provides lasting benefits for wildlife and future generations, creating a living legacy that connects loved ones to nature. For guidance on all aspects of planning, see our complete guide to how to arrange a funeral in the UK.
Many families find deep comfort in visiting peaceful woodland settings where their loved ones rest among the trees, birds, and wildflowers.
How much does a woodland burial cost in the UK?
Woodland burial typically costs £1,500-£3,500 in the UK, which includes the burial plot (£800-£2,000), interment fee (£400-£800), biodegradable coffin (£200-£800), and memorial tree planting (£50-£200). This is significantly cheaper than traditional cemetery burial.
What type of coffin is required for woodland burial?
Woodland burial requires biodegradable coffins made from natural materials such as wicker, bamboo, cardboard, or untreated solid wood. No varnish, metal handles, or synthetic materials are allowed. Some sites also permit natural shrouds instead of coffins.
How do I find the grave after a woodland burial?
Most woodland burial sites provide GPS coordinates and detailed maps to locate graves. Some use small natural stone markers or numbered posts. The memorial tree planted at the burial site also serves as a living marker that grows over time.
Can I have a funeral service at a woodland burial site?
Yes, most woodland burial sites welcome funeral services of any faith or non-religious ceremonies. Many sites have outdoor areas or shelters where services can be held, and you can bring your own minister, priest, or celebrant.
Are woodland burial sites permanently protected?
Reputable woodland burial sites have long-term management plans and legal protections in place. Many are registered charities or have covenants protecting the land from development. Always check the site's credentials and management structure before purchasing a plot.