Natural burial is the practice of returning a body to the earth in a way that allows it to decompose naturally, without the chemical preservatives, concrete vaults, or non-biodegradable materials used in conventional burial. In the UK, natural burial grounds are usually set within woodland, wildflower meadows, or mixed habitat — and the landscape itself becomes the memorial.
The concept is not new. Before the 20th century, most burials were effectively natural. What we now call "natural burial" emerged as a conscious choice: a way of making end-of-life arrangements that tread more lightly on the land. The movement took hold in the UK in the early 1990s, and today there are over 270 natural burial grounds across the country. [Source: Association of Natural Burial Grounds]
How natural burial differs from conventional burial
The differences are practical as well as philosophical. A conventional cemetery typically uses embalming fluids, wooden or metal caskets lined with synthetic materials, and concrete grave liners to maintain a flat lawn surface. Headstones are uniform, and the landscape is managed for tidiness rather than biodiversity.
A natural burial ground inverts almost every one of those choices. Embalming is not permitted. The body is buried in a biodegradable container — a woven willow basket, a cardboard coffin, or a simple shroud. There is no concrete vault. Graves are dug to a shallower depth that encourages natural decomposition. The surface is planted with native species, and the site is managed as a living habitat, not a manicured lawn.
What about headstones?
In most UK natural burial grounds, upright headstones are not permitted. Instead, graves may be marked by a flat stone set flush with the ground, a registered plot number recorded in the site's plan, or a native tree planted nearby. Some families find this restraint difficult at first; others find it comforting that the landscape itself — rather than a row of stones — becomes the place of remembrance.
Is natural burial the same as a green funeral?
The terms overlap but are not identical. A "green funeral" describes the entire approach — the choice of burial ground, the coffin or shroud, the transport, the ceremony. "Natural burial" refers specifically to the method of interment. You can have a green funeral that ends in natural burial, but you can also have a conventional ceremony at a natural burial ground, or a green ceremony that ends in cremation. Our directory focuses on the burial grounds themselves; for guidance on the wider choices involved, read our article on choosing a natural burial ground.
Why families choose natural burial
In researching UK sites for this directory, we have spoken with families who chose natural burial for many reasons. Some were drawn to the environmental principle: avoiding embalming chemicals and non-degradable materials. Others valued the setting — a woodland or meadow feels less clinical than a traditional cemetery, and many sites allow small outdoor gatherings that feel more personal. For some, the appeal is cost: natural burial can be less expensive than a conventional funeral, though prices vary widely by region and plot type.
Not every reason is environmental. Some families choose a natural burial ground because it is closer to home, or because the site allows a more informal, family-led ceremony. We have also spoken with families who found the absence of rows of headstones calming rather than limiting.
Is natural burial regulated?
Natural burial grounds in the UK operate under the same legal framework as conventional cemeteries. They must be registered with the relevant local authority, and interments must follow the statutory requirements for burial. The Natural Death Centre maintains the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) code of conduct for member sites and is the closest thing the sector has to a quality mark. In our directory, we publish each site's ANBG membership status honestly.
Finding a natural burial ground
If you are beginning a search, our directory lists over 70 ANBG-member burial grounds across the UK, filterable by region and setting type. Every listing includes the burial type, county, ANBG status, and a verification date showing when we last confirmed the details with the site directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is natural burial legal in the UK?
Yes. Natural burial grounds operate under the same legal framework as conventional cemeteries. They must be registered with the local authority and interments must follow statutory burial requirements.
Can I be buried without a coffin?
Yes. A natural fibre shroud is permitted at most natural burial grounds. Some families choose a shroud inside a woven willow or cardboard coffin for ease of transport, then bury in the shroud.
Is natural burial cheaper than cremation?
It can be, depending on the site and whether you use a funeral director. Plot fees start under £1,000 at some community sites, while a direct cremation without a service typically costs £1,500–£3,000. The main saving comes from arranging a family-led burial without a funeral director.
Key takeaways
- Natural burial avoids embalming, concrete vaults, and non-biodegradable materials.
- Sites are managed as woodland or meadow habitat, not manicured cemeteries.
- Headstones are usually not permitted; graves are marked by planting or a registered plot number.
- ANBG membership is the main quality signal in the UK natural burial sector.