In recent years, more and more families have been thinking carefully about how we say our final goodbyes, and how those choices impact the world we leave behind. For those with a deep respect for nature and the environment, natural burials (also known as woodland burials) have become an increasingly popular and meaningful option.
These gentle, eco-friendly funerals offer a way to honour a loved one’s life while treading lightly on the earth.
So, What Exactly is a Natural Burial?
At its heart, a natural burial is about keeping things simple, sustainable, and in harmony with the natural world. It’s a return to traditional practices, where the focus is on letting the body return gently to the earth, without the use of chemicals or materials that can harm the environment.
Natural burials typically take place in special natural or woodland burial grounds. These are peaceful, green spaces that feel more like nature reserves than traditional cemeteries — places where trees, birds, and wildflowers surround you, offering comfort and serenity.
Key Elements of a Natural Burial
Let’s break down a few of the things that make natural burials different:
🌿 Biodegradable Coffins or Shrouds
Instead of polished hardwood or metal, natural burials use eco-friendly options like willow, bamboo, seagrass, or cardboard. These materials break down naturally over time, helping the body return to the earth without leaving behind anything harmful. Some families choose a simple shroud, often made of organic cotton or wool—beautiful in its simplicity.
🌿 No Embalming Chemicals
In natural burials, the body is not embalmed. This means avoiding the use of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, which are not only harmful to the environment but also unnecessary in these more immediate, natural-style services. It’s all about allowing nature to take its course.
🌿 Simple, Natural Resting Places
Instead of ornate gravestones or polished memorials, natural burial grounds often use modest wooden markers or plant native trees or flowers as a living tribute. Some sites have no individual markers at all, preserving the natural beauty of the landscape and allowing the area to grow wild and free.
🌿 Encouraging Wildlife and Conservation
Many natural burial grounds are designed to support biodiversity. They’re often managed as conservation areas, where native plants are allowed to thrive and local wildlife is protected. Your loved one’s final resting place becomes part of a living, breathing environment that continues to grow and flourish.
A Local Favourite: Atlantic Rest Natural Burial, Bude
There are over 270 natural burial grounds across the UK but right here in Cornwall, we’re lucky to have one of the most beautiful natural burial grounds around.
Atlantic Rest Natural Burial Ground, just outside Bude, is nestled among rolling hills and looking out across the countryside, it’s a truly peaceful place to visit and reflect.
Families often tell us how comforting it is to walk through the wildflower meadows or sit quietly beneath the trees. Atlantic Rest is open to all, regardless of faith or beliefs, and offers both full burials and ashes interments. It’s a place where you can say goodbye in a deeply personal, meaningful, and environmentally kind way.
Penmount Crematorium, near Truro, has also offered a dedicated natural burial site since May 2013. This site provides families with the option of a natural burial within the serene grounds of the crematorium estate, combining accessibility with the tranquil feel of a woodland setting.
Is a Woodland Burial Right for Your Family?
Natural and woodland burials aren’t just a trend — they’re a return to something honest and heartfelt. They’re perfect for those who love nature, who want a simpler goodbye, or who feel strongly about their impact on the environment.
At Denise Wellington Funeral Services, we’re always here to chat about the different options available. Whether you’re planning ahead or arranging a funeral for a loved one, we can help guide you through every step, including arrangements at beautiful places like Atlantic Rest.
If you’d like to know more, please feel free to pop in for a cuppa or give us a call. We’re always here to support you, with compassion, care, and a listening ear.
