For generations, the most familiar funeral choices in the UK have been either a burial in a churchyard or cemetery, or a cremation followed by a service in a chapel. These traditions continue to be meaningful for many families, but today there is a growing interest in funerals that reflect personal values, particularly around the environment.
Woodland burials, sometimes called natural burials or green funerals, offer a gentler alternative. They allow someone to be laid to rest in surroundings that celebrate the natural world, often among trees, meadows, or wildflowers. This type of farewell is chosen not only for its lower impact on the environment but also because of the sense of peace and beauty it brings to families who visit afterwards.
In this article, we will explore what a woodland burial involves, how it differs from a traditional service, and what you need to know if you are considering this option for yourself or someone you love.
What is a woodland burial?
A woodland burial is a funeral where a person is buried in a natural setting rather than a traditional cemetery. Instead of polished headstones, rows of graves, and manicured lawns, you are more likely to find trees, meadows, and pathways surrounded by wildlife.
These burials focus on protecting and preserving the natural landscape. This means embalming fluids are not used, coffins must be biodegradable, and memorials are often simple or natural in style. Some sites do not allow permanent headstones at all. Instead, a tree or a small wooden plaque may mark the spot, blending with the natural surroundings.
The aim is not only to provide a final resting place but also to create or maintain habitats for birds, insects, and wild plants. In this way, a woodland burial contributes to conservation as well as remembrance.
Although woodlands are the most common setting, natural burials can also take place in meadows, orchards, or farmland set aside for this purpose.
What happens at a woodland burial?
One of the most appealing aspects of a woodland burial is its flexibility. Unlike a traditional funeral service, which often follows a set structure, a woodland burial can be as formal or as informal as you wish.
Some families choose to hold a simple ceremony at the graveside, with readings, music, or prayers. Others prefer not to hold a service at all, instead taking a quiet walk through the burial ground before laying their loved one to rest. Both approaches are equally valid, and the choice depends entirely on what feels right.
Many natural burial grounds have areas where a more conventional service can take place. This might be a small building, a simple shelter, or even an outdoor space where chairs can be arranged. Some provide yurts, marquees, or gazebos for gatherings afterwards. These spaces allow families to share stories, play music, or simply spend time together in a way that feels personal.
Because there are fewer formal restrictions, woodland burials allow families to shape the experience around their own values. You might decide to scatter wildflower seeds over the grave so that, in time, the resting place becomes a haven for bees and butterflies. You might choose to have family members lower the coffin into the ground themselves, which can be a deeply meaningful moment.
The key is that there is no single way to do it. Woodland burials are about creating a farewell that feels authentic, rather than following a strict template.
Natural burial grounds in the UK
There are now more than 270 natural burial sites across the UK, and each one has its own character. Some are mature woodlands with tall trees and shaded paths. Others are newly planted, where each burial contributes to the growth of a young forest. Some are open meadows with sweeping views of the countryside.
Because natural burials are less regulated than traditional cemeteries, the quality and rules can vary. For peace of mind, many people choose sites that are members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds. This organisation sets standards to protect families and the environment. Members agree to follow a code of practice that covers everything from clear information about costs to maintaining the natural setting.
The Natural Death Centre Charity supports families by providing advice about natural burials and helps new burial grounds establish themselves. Each year, they also run the People’s Awards, recognising those sites that go above and beyond in providing thoughtful, compassionate care.
If you are considering a woodland burial, it is a good idea to visit the site in person. Walk through the grounds, ask about their rules and options, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Each place is unique, and the right setting will often resonate with you when you see it.
How much does a woodland burial cost?
The cost of a woodland burial varies widely depending on the location and what is included. Some families spend only a few hundred pounds, while others may pay several thousand.
The main cost is the burial plot itself. This is the right to use a specific space within the woodland. Prices can differ from region to region, and from one burial ground to another. To give you a sense of the range, here are some examples that were publicly listed in recent years:
- At Brocklands Woodland Burial Site in North Yorkshire, a single burial plot is £500, with a burial fee of £600.
- A single space at a Woodland Trust site may cost around £900.
- Dalton Natural Woodland Burial Ground lists a burial plot at £1195.
On top of the plot, there may be costs for the coffin, transport, flowers, and any ceremony arrangements. Families who want a gathering afterwards might also choose to hire a yurt or marquee if this is available on site.
It is important to ask what is included in the price you are quoted. Some burial grounds include the interment fee in the cost of the plot, while others separate these charges.
Although woodland burials can be less expensive than a traditional funeral, the final figure depends on the choices you make. Planning in advance and asking for clear information helps avoid unexpected costs.
Coffins for a woodland burial
Most woodland burial grounds require the coffin to be made from natural, biodegradable materials. This ensures that the body returns to the earth without introducing chemicals or plastics into the soil.
Options include cardboard, bamboo, willow, wicker, banana leaf, or even wool. Each has its own look and feel, from the simple and understated to the handwoven and decorative. Prices can range from about £100 for a plain cardboard coffin to around £1000 for more elaborate designs, with wool often at the higher end.
Another option is a burial shroud. This is a simple fabric wrap, often made from cotton, silk, hemp, or muslin. Shrouds are sometimes chosen for religious reasons or simply because families feel they are more natural and gentle. Seeing a loved one wrapped in soft fabric rather than placed in a coffin can feel deeply personal.
Whichever option is chosen, the focus remains on simplicity and respect for the environment.
Interment of ashes at a woodland burial ground
Not everyone chooses burial. Many people are cremated, and some families prefer to keep the ashes until they feel ready to hold a service. Woodland burial sites often provide spaces for ashes to be interred, which means they are placed in the ground in a biodegradable urn.
This option combines the flexibility of cremation with the permanence of a burial. Families can visit the site in future, and the ashes become part of the landscape. It is usually less expensive than a full burial but still offers a lasting place of remembrance.
Some sites also allow ashes to be scattered, though they may have specific guidelines to protect the habitat.
Why do people choose woodland burials?
Every funeral is personal, but there are some common reasons why people are drawn to woodland burials.
Many families like the idea of giving something back to nature. Instead of using stone and concrete, they are contributing to new life in the form of trees, plants, and wildlife. For those who cared deeply about the environment, this feels like a fitting final act.
Others find comfort in the setting itself. A walk through a woodland can be calming and restorative, and this continues to be true when visiting the grave of a loved one. Rather than rows of gravestones, you may find birdsong, dappled light through leaves, and wildflowers growing freely.
There is also the sense of individuality. A woodland burial does not follow strict traditions, so families can shape it to reflect the life of the person who has died. The atmosphere is often more relaxed, and the natural setting makes it easier to create a ceremony that feels authentic.
Things to consider before choosing a woodland burial
Although woodland burials are increasingly popular, they may not suit everyone. It is worth thinking carefully before making this choice.
Access can sometimes be a challenge. Some sites are in rural areas, which may make it difficult for older relatives or those with mobility needs. Facilities such as toilets or shelters may be limited compared to a crematorium or cemetery.
Rules can also vary. Some burial grounds allow memorial plaques, while others insist on planting only trees or wildflowers. If having a physical marker is important to you, it is best to check this before making arrangements.
Finally, because natural burial grounds are still relatively new, there may be questions about long-term maintenance. Reputable sites should have clear plans for how they will manage the land in the decades ahead.
