A gentler connection with the landscape
What is a natural burial?
A natural burial takes place in a woodland, meadow or other natural setting, with care for the environment at its heart.
The person is usually buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, and the grave is allowed to become part of the landscape. Some burial grounds use a simple natural marker, while others record the location without placing a permanent memorial above it.
Each burial ground has its own arrangements, but the ceremony itself can be warm, personal and entirely individual. It can be Humanist, non-religious, civil or include religious and cultural elements that hold meaning for the family.
Gathering to remember and say goodbye
How does a natural burial ceremony work?
The whole ceremony may take place beside the grave, or family and friends may first gather in a sheltered space before walking together to the burial place. The precise arrangement depends on the venue, the weather and what feels right for you.
There is often more freedom than at a crematorium. Without a tightly timed service slot, there can be space for memories, readings, music, silence and contributions from family and friends. I will liaise with the funeral director and burial ground so that the words and practical movements flow together naturally.
Planning together
We begin with a conversation
I will meet with you, listen to the person’s story and help you decide what the ceremony should feel like. We can talk about the people who may wish to contribute, music and readings, the journey to the grave and the words used for the final farewell.
I will then write the complete ceremony and send it to you to read. You can suggest changes, add memories and correct details until you are comfortable that it reflects the person and your family’s wishes.
Making the ceremony personal
Words and moments that belong
A natural burial ceremony can include:
- A welcome and opening words
- The person’s life story and shared memories
- Tributes from family and friends
- Poetry, readings or meaningful music
- A prayer, hymn or cultural tradition
- A period of quiet reflection
- Words of farewell and committal at the graveside
- Closing words before people leave or gather together
You do not need to include every element. I will arrange the ceremony so that it feels natural in the setting and gives people the time they need to remember and say goodbye.
Inclusive of every belief
Led by what matters to the person and your family
I am an independent celebrant accredited by Humanists UK. Your ceremony can be entirely non-religious or include a prayer, hymn, blessing, reading or cultural tradition that has personal meaning.
I do not impose a particular belief or a fixed format. My role is to listen carefully and create a ceremony in which everyone can take part and feel respected.
Preparing for an outdoor ceremony
Practical considerations
Natural burial grounds can involve uneven paths, exposed weather and a walk to the graveside. The venue or funeral director can advise about footwear, accessibility, seating, shelter and what will happen if the weather is difficult.
I will prepare the ceremony with those arrangements in mind. Printed words can be protected, contributions can be placed at suitable points, and we can agree a simple alternative if wind or rain makes part of the original plan impractical.
Natural burial ceremony fee
From £300
The fee includes meeting the family, writing and revising the complete ceremony, liaising with the funeral director or burial ground and leading the ceremony on the day.
The exact fee depends on the location, travel and complexity of the arrangements. It will always be discussed and agreed with you in advance.