Green Funeral Costs in the UK: An Honest Guide

The cost of a natural burial is one of the most common questions we receive. People want to know whether choosing a woodland or meadow burial ground is more or less expensive than a conventional funeral — and the honest answer is that it depends on several factors, some of which are within the family's control and some of which are not.

This guide breaks down the main cost components of a natural burial in the UK. We do not publish estimates we have not verified: every figure cited here is either drawn from our direct verification conversations with burial grounds or clearly marked as a general range. For confirmed per-site pricing, check the individual directory listings.

The three main cost components

A natural burial in the UK typically involves three separate costs:

• The burial ground plot fee — paid to the site for the plot, the interment (digging and preparing the grave), and a contribution to long-term maintenance.
• The coffin or shroud — purchased from the funeral director, the burial ground, or an independent supplier.
• The funeral director's services — if you choose to use one. This is optional at most natural burial grounds.

Burial ground plot fees

Plot fees vary more than any other single cost. In our verification conversations, we have seen confirmed "price from" figures ranging from under £1,000 at smaller, community-run sites to over £2,500 at established woodland grounds in southern England. The price typically depends on:

• Region — sites in the South East and South West tend to charge more than those in the North of England, Wales, or Scotland.
• Plot type — a single plot costs less than a double (couple) or family plot. Ashes plots are significantly less expensive.
• What is included — some sites include a tree or memorial planting in the plot price; others charge separately.
• Site maturity — established woodland sites with mature trees and full facilities often charge more than newer sites still establishing their landscape.

Each listing in our directory shows a "price from" figure where it has been confirmed, along with the date of confirmation. We never present pricing as permanent — it changes, and what is included changes too. [Source: direct site contact]

Coffins and shrouds

The container is usually the second-largest cost after the plot. Typical ranges we have encountered:

• Cardboard coffin — approximately £150 to £350. The most affordable biodegradable option.
• Woven willow coffin — approximately £400 to £900. The most popular choice at natural burials.
• Bamboo coffin — approximately £350 to £700. Similar to willow but typically imported.
• Untreated wooden coffin — approximately £400 to £800. Heavier and slower to decompose.
• Natural fibre shroud — approximately £100 to £300. The most minimal and least expensive option.

These ranges are general and based on supplier pricing at the time of writing. Some burial grounds supply containers directly, which can simplify the process. For more detail on container types, read our guide to biodegradable coffins.

Funeral director fees

If you choose to use a funeral director, their fee is the third major cost. A funeral director experienced with natural burial typically charges between £1,500 and £3,500 for their core services, which may include collecting the body, preparing it for viewing (without embalming), supplying the coffin, transporting to the burial ground, and handling paperwork. Some charge a single inclusive fee; others itemise.

It is worth noting that a funeral director is not required at most natural burial grounds. Families who arrange the burial themselves — handling transport and paperwork directly — can save this cost entirely. The Natural Death Centre provides guidance on family-led burial for those considering this route.

Regional variation

Plot fees vary significantly by region. While we do not publish unverified per-site prices, the pattern we have observed through verification is broadly consistent with general UK cost-of-living variation: sites in the South East and South West of England tend to have higher plot fees than sites in Yorkshire, the North East, Wales, or Scotland. This is not a rule — some smaller southern sites are modestly priced, and some larger northern sites charge more — but it is a general tendency.

To see confirmed pricing for a specific site, use the directory and filter by region. Each listing shows the verified "price from" figure and the date it was confirmed.

Is natural burial cheaper than a conventional funeral?

It can be, but it is not automatically so. The average conventional funeral in the UK costs approximately £4,000 to £5,000 when including funeral director fees, a standard coffin, burial fees, and a headstone. A natural burial with a similar level of funeral director involvement may cost in a similar range, with the plot fee and coffin being comparable or slightly less. The savings, where they occur, tend to come from:

• Avoiding embalming (which is not permitted at natural burial grounds anyway)
• Choosing a less expensive biodegradable coffin
• Opting for a family-led ceremony without a celebrant fee
• Avoiding headstone costs (many natural burial grounds do not permit them)

The most significant saving comes from arranging the burial without a funeral director, but this is a personal choice that depends on the family's circumstances and capacity. [Source: Sun Life Cost of Dying Report, 2023]

Frequently asked questions