Woodland Burial 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. Instead of traditional gravestones, trees or wildflowers mark burial sites. This guide explains everything about woodland burials in the UK.
- Woodland burial costs £1,500-£3,500 (significantly cheaper than traditional burial)
- Over 270 natural burial sites across the UK
- Must use biodegradable coffin or shroud
- No embalming chemicals or non-natural materials allowed
- Tree or native plants planted as living memorial
- Sites are managed as nature conservation areas
What is woodland burial?
Woodland burial is a type of natural burial where the deceased is laid to rest in a natural setting. Key features include:
- Burial in woodland, meadow, or other natural conservation area
- Biodegradable coffin (wicker, cardboard, bamboo) or natural shroud
- No embalming with toxic chemicals
- Tree, shrub, or wildflowers planted instead of headstone
- GPS coordinates or natural markers to locate graves
- Site is maintained to encourage wildlife and native plants
How woodland burial works
The process step by step:
- Choose a natural burial site - Visit sites if possible to find one that feels right
- Purchase burial plot - Costs £800-£2,000 depending on location and type
- Select biodegradable coffin or shroud - Provided by funeral director or burial ground
- Arrange funeral service - Can be held at burial site or elsewhere
- Burial takes place - In designated natural area using eco-friendly materials
- Tree or plants added - Memorial tree planted, or wildflower seeds scattered
- Site maintained naturally - Left to grow wild or managed for conservation
Woodland burial costs
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+
Finding woodland burial sites
There are over 270 natural burial sites across the UK:
- Dedicated natural burial grounds: Private woodland or meadow sites managed specifically for natural burial
- Council-run natural burial areas: Some local authorities have natural burial sections within existing cemeteries
- Churchyard natural burial: Some churches offer natural burial in consecrated ground
- Private land: With landowner permission and proper permits, burial on private woodland
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.
Environmental benefits
Woodland burial has significant environmental advantages:
- Creates wildlife habitats: Sites actively support biodiversity and native species
- Carbon sequestration: Trees planted absorb CO2 from atmosphere over decades
- No pollution: No formaldehyde, metals, or plastics contaminating soil
- Conservation land: Protects natural spaces from development permanently
- Minimal carbon footprint: Simple burial process with no cremation emissions
- Sustainable materials: Everything used is biodegradable and natural
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.
Legal requirements
Woodland burial must meet specific legal standards:
- Site must have burial ground authorization from local authority
- Must comply with Environment Agency groundwater regulations
- Burial depth must be sufficient (typically 1 metre to top of coffin)
- Death certificate and registrar's permission required
- Records must be kept of all burials with GPS coordinates or maps
- Site must have proper management plan for long-term maintenance
Planning your woodland burial
Woodland burial checklist
- Visit and choose natural burial site
- Understand site-specific rules and restrictions
- Reserve and pay for burial plot
- Select approved biodegradable coffin or shroud
- Plan funeral service and memorial tree planting
- Coordinate timing with burial ground and funeral director
Pros and cons of woodland burial
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
Frequently asked questions
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.
Compare woodland burial providers
Find natural burial sites and funeral directors offering woodland burial services in your area. Compare costs, locations, and available memorial options.
Compare funeral directorsA 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.
Many families find deep comfort in visiting peaceful woodland settings where their loved ones rest among the trees, birds, and wildflowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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