Why choose natural burial?
First of all – what is it?
The term ‘natural burial’, ‘green burial’ and ‘woodland burial’ all mean the same thing. It all began in 1993 when pioneer Ken West created the first natural burial site in the UK - in Carlisle. Today there are over 300 sites across the country.
The exact description for the term natural burial below, has been taken from the Ministry of Justice guidance paper for Natural Burial Ground Operators:
"Natural burial is a term used to describe the burial of human remains where the burial area creates habitat for wildlife or preserves existing habitats (woodland, species rich meadows, orchards, etc), sustainably managed farmland, in-situ or adjacent aquatic habitats or improves and creates new habitats which are rich in wildlife (flora and fauna). Where a funeral precedes such burial, it would typically seek to minimise environmental impact."
That really does sum it up. Natural burial is open to people from all walks of life, whether you have particular beliefs or not.
For us natural burial means going back to nature with kindness and consideration to people and the natural environment.
What does it mean to you?