Hello to all our lovely readers. We hope you are all keeping well, we have a guest blog today! The lovely Sarah from the Leedam Natural Heritage group has been kind enough to put together some information on Natural Burials and what you need to know when considering one. When considering a natural burial it’s important to make sure ‘natural burial’ is right for you.
Initially, you may want to ask ‘What is a natural burial?
The concept behind natural burial is one of giving back to nature. The body is returned to the earth in a biodegradable coffin, wearing only natural materials without embalming or toxic treatment, everything is as natural as possible. Graves become part of the surrounding countryside. There isn’t the worry of tending to graves, which means people can return as often or as little as they wish, and when they return they have the time, space and peace to connect with nature and to remember the people they love.
Is this the right place for me?
It’s important to make sure that you are happy with the natural burial ground you choose and it’s where you want to be. At our natural burial grounds, we have dedicated custodians who can meet you, show you around and answer any questions that you may have. Each burial ground is different; some are woodland, some are meadow, some are a mixture of the two. The best way to see if a natural burial ground is right for you is to visit. If this is not possible you should be able to find out more about a site from the burial ground itself. We have brochures. photographs and information available online for those who cannot visit and our custodians are always happy to answer any questions, including over the phone.
Can I share a plot or arrange to have plots next to each other?
All our plots are single-depth graves which allows a more natural return to the earth, however, we do offer the option to have cremated remains within a natural burial plot. For those who would like to have plots together, where this is possible we can reserve the space and the plot can be pre-purchased so that this is possible. If this is something that you would like it’s important to ask this question to make sure that it is possible to have plots next to each other.
Can I choose my spot?
At some of our natural burial grounds, you can choose which area you prefer, at other plots are allocated in succession. This is definitely something you may want to ask if you have your heart set on a certain area of a natural burial ground.
How do I arrange a natural burial?
Whether you are arranging a natural burial for the future or for a family member or friend who has died there are a number of ways that you can arrange a natural burial. If you are planning in advance you may wish to pre-purchase a plot alongside a funeral plan or pre-purchase a plot with your wishes written for those who will be making the arrangements. This is definitely something to consider if there is a particular plot or place you want to be buried to ensure this is reserved for you. If you are putting a plan together but do not wish to solidify arrangements you may wish to visit and put together information on the natural burial you wish to have and leave instructions for your next of kin. For those arranging a funeral for a loved one who has died this can be arranged through a funeral director or you can arrange a family-led funeral without a funeral director. This is also sometimes also known as a DIY funeral. Whatever your needs are the natural burial should be able to help offer advice on what to do next. We have a range of advice on our website but we are also at the end of the phone to offer advice to those who need help arranging a natural burial.
What type of coffin can I have?
We request that everything that goes into the ground at our natural burial grounds is biodegradable and of a natural material. There is a range of eco-friendly coffins available from cardboard to wicker, and sustainable wood to reclaimed or handmade wood coffins. Another option is to have a wool coffin or shroud. However, what is allowed at a natural burial ground is very much dependent on the natural burial ground that you are using so it’s something that is good to ask.
What type of funeral service can I have?
You should be able to have whatever funeral service you wish at a natural burial ground. From a religious service to a non-religious service or no service at all. At our natural burials, the burial ground is entirely yours during your service. You can take as much time as you need and make it as personal as you like. In the past, people have said goodbye with only the nearest and dearest present, others with a whole assemblage; some like silence, while you may prefer music from a live band. The day is to remember the person you are burying and so we encourage you to make it special. However, it is important that you make sure the burial ground you are using is able to fulfil your requirements.
Can I have a picnic or wake after the service?
This will depend on the burial ground. It is something we offer at our natural burial grounds and can help with advice on erecting a marquee or pop up trailers for those who want something a bit more in-depth. However, it is a question that is definitely worth asking if you would like to have a picnic or wake following the service to make sure this is something that your chosen natural burial ground can offer.
Am I allowed a memorial?
If you feel that you would like to have a personal memorial for your loved one this is a very important question to ask. We understand how important it is to remember those we love and offer simple natural memorials. At our burial grounds, these cannot be placed on graves as it does not work with how our grounds are sustainably managed. However, plaques bearing the names and dates of people there can be mounted in purpose-built frames or within the memorial shelters. The exception to this is the natural memorial stones that are allowed in the woodland areas at our Scottish sites which are locally sourced and blend into the surrounding woodland becoming a part of the woodland itself. At some of our sites, we also offer memorial trees. Memorials will differ greatly between natural burial grounds and it’s important that you understand what is available. It is worth remembering that when grave markers are used, people inevitably tend those areas and place mementos, and the burial ground moves away from a natural environment to become more like a cemetery.
If you are considering having a natural burial, the burial grounds that you are interested in should be able to help with all of your questions or point you in the right direction of someone who can help.
For further details contact Leedam Natural Heritage
www.leedam.com
email info@leedam.com
01600 716438
To learn more about our natural memorials here at UK memorials click here.