What is natural burial?
Natural burial, sometimes called 'green' or woodland burial, is an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial. The practice began in the UK in the 1990s, rooted in the idea that only natural, biodegradable materials are used, and that the burial ground itself is managed to create, preserve, and enhance habitats.
Natural burial offers a gentle, meaningful way to say goodbye—one that leaves a lasting legacy of care for future generations and the world around us.
Natural Burial at Thoulstone Park
Burial (or interment) options consist of;
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A whole-body natural burial, or
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An ashes burial, either on its own or alongside someone you love.
Many people reserve side-by-side plots, or choose to place multiple sets of ashes in the same space. It’s flexible and personal, just as it should be.
At Thoulstone Park our natural burial meadow looks quite different from a conventional cemetery. Memorialisation is kept to a minimum, and graves are located through careful digital mapping rather than headstones. Much of our meadow and grassland is grazed and there is a long term plan to increase the flower meadow encouraging biodiversity and providing habitats for local wildlife.
Key Features
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Biodegradable Coffins & Shrouds
Made from natural materials such as willow (wicker), wood or cloth, ensuring they return gently to the earth. Anything placed in the grave must be biodegradable including clothing. -
No Embalming (unless in exceptional circumstances, please see our Rules & Regulations)
Bodies are laid to rest without harmful chemicals, protecting the soil and groundwater. -
Plastic-Free. from coffin linings to floral tributes, everything is free from plastics and synthetic materials.
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Unmarked Graves with Digital Mapping
Graves remain unmarked to preserve the landscape. Families are provided with precise GPS coordinates and what3words addresses for location. Graves can be flagged if advance notice of a visit is given. -
Landscape Protection Burial grounds are carefully maintained as thriving habitats for local wildlife and native plants. At Thoulstone Park there is a permissive footpath for you to access the burial meadow. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times as sheep are free to roam and graze.
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A Return to Nature As the body decomposes naturally, at a shallower depth than traditional burials, it enriches the soil, contributing to the cycle of life.
We welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. Services here are unhurried, allowing the freedom to create a ceremony that truly reflects the person being remembered — without the constraints often found in traditional burial options.
You may wish to employ the services of a funeral director or advisor but this is not a legal requirement. We have a list of recommended funeral directors who abide by our 'Code of Conduct'.
Direct It Yourself Funerals
A DIY, or “Direct It Yourself” funeral allows you to shape arrangements in a way that truly reflects your wishes. By choosing to arrange and conduct a funeral without employing a funeral director, you gain the freedom to create a deeply personal and meaningful farewell.
While only a small number of families choose this path, those who do often find the experience far more simple and straightforward than they expected.
How It Works
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Personal Choice – Every element can be tailored to suit your values, traditions, and preferences.
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Hands-On Involvement – Families can take an active role, from transportation and care to the ceremony itself.
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Support Available – Mary is always happy to offer practical help and guidance, both during the planning stage and at the time of the burial. A risk assessment would need to be signed.
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Free Advice – The Natural Death Centre provides free, trusted information to support families considering this option.
A Direct It Yourself funeral empowers families to say goodbye in a way that feels authentic, gentle, and truly their own.
We are proud members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, for those wishing to learn more about natural burial please visit the ANBG website.
