Death is not usually on our minds, but planning ahead can ease our loved ones’ stress. We all aim to leave a light footprint on the Earth that’s also easy on our family’s budget. Natural burial grounds are a green and cost-effective way to do this. Whether you’re in a big city like Nottingham or a small place near Leicester or Peterborough, choosing a natural resting place means adding to the area’s beauty.
Choosing a natural burial is much cheaper than traditional methods, making a tough time a bit easier financially. Green burials cut costs on fancy caskets, embalming, and expensive stones. Tithe Green in Oxton, Nottinghamshire, and Ketton, Rutland, spans over 70 acres, offering peaceful, low-cost resting places. They’re approved by the Association of Natural Burial Grounds.
People have said these places are both peaceful and fitting for remembering loved ones. They show how nature and memory can blend beautifully. Let’s see why these green burial spots could be right for those wanting to spare their wallets and stay close to nature.
Key Takeaways
- Natural burial plots are more affordable than traditional burial options, reducing financial stress.
- Green burial vessels start at £100, offering a budget-friendly alternative to expensive traditional coffins.
- Tithe Green provides over 70 acres of serene natural burial grounds in Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
- In 2019, Tithe Green was honoured as the Best Burial Ground in the UK, showcasing its commitment to quality and eco-friendly practices.
- Natural burials use only biodegradable materials, further promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Understanding Natural Burial Grounds
Natural burial grounds in the UK vary widely. They follow a Code of Conduct from the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG). This ensures professionalism and care for the environment. Operators work together with the ANBG. This collaboration helps the sector grow in a respectful and sustainable way.
The UK has over 270 natural burial sites. Costs for a plot range from £1,500 to several thousand pounds. These prices depend on the location and how long you own the plot. There are no discounts for living locally. Burial fees, which include grave preparation and admin costs, are around £600 to £700.
Biodegradable coffins are a must for natural burials. They can be made from untreated wood, wicker, cardboard, or bamboo. There’s no embalming allowed to avoid harming the environment. These burials are not only eco-friendly but can also be less expensive. This makes them a favoured option for those wanting a green burial.
Natural burial grounds don’t allow permanent stone markers. You might use wooden plaques instead. Location of graves is kept using maps or geotagging. This approach helps minimise impact on nature. Families can also leave biodegradable items or plant wildflowers. This beautifies the site further.
Visitors can bring biodegradable flowers and herbs. This connects them closely to nature. Pets’ ashes can also be buried, with the right permission and container. These burial sites are celebrated for their commitment to nature. They offer a peaceful place for a natural, respectful end-of-life choice.
The Importance of Certification and Association Membership
Getting the right certification is vital for eco-friendly burial sites. The certification for green burial sites is provided by the Green Burial Council (GBC). They make sure cemeteries meet top standards by using outside experts. This shows a commitment to sustaining the environment and reassures families and people.
In the UK, the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) supports green burials. It’s backed by the Natural Death Centre charity. With more than 220 sites, the ANBG offers essential guidance. It helps keep the spirit of natural burials alive. Following the ANBG’s rules ensures respectful and independent funeral practices.
Being part of the ANBG has many advantages. It lets burial grounds improve by getting feedback and seeks to honour the best in the field. ANBG membership also means helping the Natural Death Centre Charity. This support aids ongoing educational work. The aim is to boost eco-friendly burial options.
The Green Burial Council also works to educate and advocate for green burials. They share lots of information, like blogs and newsletters, and offer training. Their goal is to make environmentally friendly death care common. They focus on things like respecting burial rituals and protecting the planet.
To help this cause, the GBC welcomes supporters. One can join Friends of the GBC, donate, or volunteer. Working together with groups like GBC and ANBG supports sustainable burial practices. This cooperation ensures our actions benefit the environment for a long time.
Cheap Natural Burial Grounds
Natural burial grounds are a dignified, eco-friendly option available across the UK. They offer a way to honour loved ones while caring for the environment. With sites like Greenford Park Cemetery in London and Eden Valley Woodland in the South East, choices abound.
It’s important to check if a burial site is part of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG). Being a member often means the site meets high standards. If a site is not a member, it’s good to ask why. This can help when choosing an eco-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
Contacting burial ground operators and visiting sites are vital steps. They help us make choices that are both respectful to our loved ones and kind to our wallets. We can select places that offer peace of mind without causing financial worry.
Old Park Meadow is an ANBG member known for its beautiful setting. They follow strict guidelines to benefit the environment and local wildlife. You can choose from different plots, such as those in bluebell woods or by a pond. Prices range from £700 to £2500.
There are many stunning and budget-friendly burial options to choose from. Visiting these places can ensure we find a fitting final resting spot. It will be a place that offers the respect and tranquillity our loved ones deserve.
Exploring Regional Options for Natural Burials
Across the UK, there are many places for natural burials. From Chesham Bois Woodland Burial Ground in the South East to Westmill Woodland Burial Ground CIC in the South West, eco-friendly burial spots are plentiful. People seeking green burial locations will find various options.
Natural burial grounds act as safe spaces for wildlife. They support biodiversity and help native species thrive. By using biodegradable caskets, made from materials like bamboo or wicker, they cut down on harmful emissions. This is in stark contrast to regular burial methods, which may use embalming fluids and precious hardwoods, harming the planet.
The first UK natural burial site was established in 1993. Now, over 250 places offer a sustainable choice for a final resting spot. Notable sites include Fenns Meadow in Whitchurch and Humber Woodland of Remembrance in Leominster. There’s also Binning Memorial Woodland in Scotland and Westall Park Woodland Burial in Redditch.
- Fenns Meadow Green Burial Ground in Whitchurch
- Humber Woodland of Remembrance in Leominster
- Binning Memorial Woodland in Scotland
- Westall Park Woodland Burial in Redditch
Prices for plots differ across the country. They can be as low as £450 for a single plot and reach up to £5,000 for a double. Westall Park, for instance, offers burial plots starting at £1,300. They also provide eco-friendly coffins beginning at £279, a cheaper option than traditional burials.
Looking for a natural burial site in the UK is easier with regional directories. Membership in the Association of Natural Burial Grounds can help, too. Although Northern Ireland doesn’t have natural burial sites, areas like Arundel and Berkshire are on the lookout for land for future sites.
Choosing a natural burial site means we can honour cultural traditions or focus on protecting the environment. These sites offer a respectful and eco-conscious choice for laying our loved ones to rest.
Visiting and Choosing a Burial Site
Choosing a natural burial ground means visiting green burial sites. This step is key to check if it matches your values. Talking directly with site managers helps us learn about their care for the area. It’s also vital to consider access, the look of the place, and its feel.
Seeing natural burial plots for ourselves is a smart step. It lets us feel if the place fits emotionally, be it a peaceful wood or a bright meadow. In the UK, many sites offer to book plots early. They also have eco-friendly coffins made of cardboard, bamboo, or willow. Knowing this helps us pick in a way that respects the wishes of the deceased.
Opinions from others can tell us much about a burial site’s ethos and work. Checking rules about plastics, non-native plants, and handling flowers ensures eco-friendliness. Options for memorialisation like slate plaques or family trees add a personal touch. In the end, the chosen site should give comfort and reflect the tribute we want to make, covering both feelings and practical needs.
FAQ
Q: What are affordable green burial locations in the UK?
A: The UK has many budget-friendly green burial grounds. Places like St Albans Woodland Burial Ground, Greenford Park Cemetery, and Eden Valley Woodland Burial Ground are great choices. They offer affordable and eco-friendly burial options.
Q: How do I find cheap natural burial grounds near me?
A: Cheap natural burial grounds can be found by looking at directories. These directories, found on The Natural Death Centre Charity or local council websites, list eco-friendly burial sites by area.
Q: What makes a burial site eco-friendly?
A: Eco-friendly burial sites aim to protect the environment. They use materials that break down naturally, like cardboard coffins, and don’t use harsh chemicals. They also manage the land in a way that supports nature.
Q: Why is certification and association membership important for burial grounds?
A: Certification and being part of groups like The Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) show a burial site is committed to high standards. It means they follow the best eco-friendly practices. This gives you confidence in their quality and environmental care.
Q: Are there cost-effective eco burial options available in the UK?
A: Yes, the UK has many affordable eco burial choices. These include sites run by local authorities and private grounds. They offer services that are kind to the planet without being expensive.
Q: How can I find regional natural burial sites in the UK?
A: Regional natural burial sites are listed in specific directories and websites. These resources group them by location. This makes it easy to find options close to you.
Q: What should I consider when visiting a potential burial site?
A: When checking out a potential burial site, think about what feels right for you. Look at the natural beauty, if they follow eco-friendly rules, and what others have said. Make sure it matches your personal beliefs and feels like a peaceful place.
Q: How do I choose a natural burial ground?
A: To pick a natural burial ground, do your research and visit some. Talk to the people who run them. Choose places that respect the environment and are open about how they work. Also, see if they are part of associations like the ANBG.
