Natural and woodland burial: a guide for families

For many families, a natural burial feels right: a simple farewell in open countryside, with trees and wildflowers instead of rows of headstones. Natural and woodland burial grounds are now found across much of the UK. They are run by councils, private owners, charities and farmers. This guide explains what to expect, what it costs and what to ask.

Key points

• Natural burial (also called woodland, green or eco burial) means burial in a natural setting, usually without embalming, in a biodegradable coffin or shroud.
• Traditional headstones are usually not allowed. A tree, plants or a small natural marker may be permitted instead.
• SunLife’s 2026 report puts the average woodland burial plot at £2,207, similar to a cemetery plot (£2,374).
• Most sites accept ashes, and many welcome family-led funerals.
• The Association of Natural Burial Grounds, run by the Natural Death Centre charity, has a code of conduct for member sites.

What is a natural burial?

A natural burial aims to have as little impact on the environment as possible, and often to help create or protect a wildlife habitat. Typically:

• the person is not embalmed with chemicals
• they are buried in a biodegradable coffin (for example cardboard, wicker, bamboo, wool or untreated wood) or in a shroud
• the grave is left to return to nature, sometimes with a native tree or wildflowers planted
• there are no traditional headstones, kerbs or ornaments
• the land is managed as meadow or woodland, often for the long term.

Sites vary a lot. Some are working woodlands, some are meadows that will grow into woodland, and some are natural sections within council cemeteries. Some also have a building for ceremonies.

How much does it cost?

SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2026 found:

Natural burial is not necessarily cheaper than a conventional burial. On average the plot costs are similar, and prices vary a lot between sites and regions. Council cemeteries may also offer natural or green sections. For example, in 2026/27 the City of Edinburgh Council charges £1,775 for a right of green burial, compared with £1,670 for a standard right of burial, plus an interment fee. On top of the site’s charges you’ll pay any funeral director fees and a coffin. See funeral costs in the UK for the full picture.

Coffins, shrouds and embalming

Natural burial grounds generally require biodegradable coffins or shrouds, and many don’t accept embalmed bodies. Check before you buy:

• Materials: what they accept, for example cardboard, wicker or solid untreated wood, and whether handles or fittings must also be biodegradable.
• Clothing: some sites ask for natural fibres.
• Embalming: if it may be needed, for example because of a long delay or repatriation, ask whether the site allows it.

Memorials and visiting

Most natural burial grounds do not allow headstones. Depending on the site, you may be able to:

• plant a native tree or wildflowers on or near the grave
• place a small wooden plaque or a flat natural stone
• record a name on a shared memorial, such as a book or a wall.

Graves are recorded in a burial register and are often mapped with GPS, so you can find them even as the landscape changes. Ask about access, parking, opening hours, and whether you can leave flowers.

Burying or scattering ashes

Most natural burial grounds accept ashes, often in a smaller plot or in a family grave. Some allow scattering in designated areas. This is a popular choice after a direct cremation. See also scattering ashes.

Faith and cultural considerations

• Muslim and Jewish burial customs already emphasise simplicity, a shroud or plain coffin, and no embalming. Ask whether the site can meet requirements such as grave orientation, speedy burial, a dedicated area or perpetual rights to the grave. See our Muslim and Jewish guides.
• Christian families can usually hold a religious service at the graveside or in a church beforehand. Some sites have been consecrated or have consecrated areas, so ask if that matters to you.
• Humanist, pagan and non-religious ceremonies are common at natural burial grounds. See our humanist and pagan guides.

Questions to ask a natural burial ground

Where are natural burial grounds?

Natural burial grounds are found in many parts of England, Wales and Scotland. SunLife’s 2026 research found that 87% of funeral directors have access to a woodland burial site, although this is significantly less common in Northern Ireland. Funeral directors estimate that about 6% of the funerals they carry out are woodland burials. Search our natural burial grounds directory for sites near you.

Burial on private land

Some families consider a burial on their own land. In England and Wales this is possible, but there are rules on distances from water sources and on recording the burial, and it can affect a property’s value. See arranging a funeral without a funeral director for details.

Next steps

• Find natural burial grounds near you.
• Compare cremation and burial.
• Find a funeral director with natural burial experience, or consider arranging it yourself.