In common with previous years, we will be relaxing our regulations throughout the festive period to allow tasteful, personalisation of graves using natural materials.
Between Sunday 10th December 2023 and Monday 8th January 2024, graves may be decorated, subject to items being appropriate to a natural burial ground and respectful to all within our care.
Please do not place items of sentimental or financial value on graves as The Natural Burial Company cannot be held responsible for damaged or lost items.
After 8th January 2024 any items remaining will be removed. Therefore, please remove items from the grave before this date if you wish to keep them for future use.
Thank you for your help in maintaining the natural and environmental integrity of the natural burial ground.
The ways in which we say goodbye to loved ones are becoming more personal. With a greater awareness of environmental issues, fewer religious services, and a greater desire for more personalised goodbyes, celebrations of life are growing in popularity. Full burial services, and natural interments of cremated remains after direct cremations are now regularly arranged.
At The Natural Burial Company our passion is to provide a totally personalised service to meet your needs, in line with our ethos of caring for the bereaved, the environment, and keeping prices low.
At each natural burial ground only one full burial a day is conducted, which allows as much time as you wish for the celebration or service. This time can be used for a picnic, listening to music, or simply spending time remembering your loved one. The Natural Burial Company can provide shelters, chairs, simple refreshments, and a quality Bluetooth speaker. We can also help to prepare the celebration or service, and act as master of ceremonies if you wish. A list of exceptional celebrants is also available to help conduct the service and we also work with all local ministers of religion and officiants. Key to everything, is ensuring that the goodbye is exactly as you wish it to be.
You do not have to have a traditional hearse and a discreet vehicle is used by most families. Although we are also able to provide Horse Drawn, Motorcycle, or other hearses. An Electric Hearse can also be supplied.
There are now a large selection of environmentally friendly coffins, caskets and shrouds available. From Cardboard to Bamboo, Willow, Banana Leaf and Pandanus. Likewise, Ashes Caskets are available in a large of beautiful environmentally friendly materials. Our supplier has the same ethics as us, and are a Guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO).
Direct Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option, allowing cost savings and for a celebration or service to be conducted at the natural burial ground on a day and time convenient to all who wish to attend. This could be on a special day such as an anniversary, or you can simply wait for warmer weather in order to allow a picnic if the death occurred in winter.
However you wish to celebrate the life of a loved one our team are here to help. We can provide advice, support and guidance to ensure everything is as you wish it to be. We can be contacted on (0116) 222 0247 or email
As we continue to work hard to serve the community and the environment, we are humbled to receive thanks from so many people. Our passion is to help and to make a difference at the most difficult time in the lives of those we serve. When we receive thanks it empowers us as we know we have succeeded in this end.
Therefore, when we recently received the following Google review from Nathaniel we were truly honoured.
“Words cannot express how incredible the team are at NBC. They handled my parents burials and services, and from top to bottom were an absolute joy to liaise with, remaining sensitive at all times incredibly personal and supportive. After trusting them with this deeply painful but extremely important life experience, I shall never look back and it almost totally erases the conventional “funeral” companies from all of existence. Once you go the natural way, and with this company, you will never regret it. Best decision I ever made was dialling that phone number. Many thanks to Chris, Nina and the whole team, and of course Awen, the fantastic celebrant who now works independently but can be requested, I advise you to also do the same here. Thank you all beyond words”
Nina, Rachel, Christopher and all of the team at The Natural Burial Company will continue to do everything they can to support the bereaved and the environment, and to help fight funeral poverty. Our reward is helping you, but to Nathaniel and everyone who takes the time to express thanks to us at such a difficult time in their lives, we sincerely thank you in return. It is our honour to serve you.
We are pleased to announce that our new natural burial ground, The Orchards at Prestwold, is now available for full burials and interments of cremated remains. Situated close to Loughborough, the natural burial ground is easily accessible from Charnwood, Leicester, Nottingham and throughout the Midlands. In fact, as there are no additional fees for non-residents anyone can purchase a plot at The Orchards.
This new natural burial ground is being lovingly developed to ensure a beautiful resting place, ensuring a natural legacy for those in its care, and a tranquil place to visit and remember. All burials will be conducted ensuring care for the environment, nature and biodiversity.
Trees are currently being planted to encourage wildlife and a sensory area is also being developed for nature and visitors alike. Burial plots may be selected in advance, and a tree planted for a natural legacy. Alternatively, meadow plots can also be chosen, ensuring beautiful views of the countryside.
The Orchards will ensure sufficient space is available for natural burial for decades to come, allowing plots to be selected and paid for many years in advance.
Full services can also be conducted at The Orchards, with Shelters, Chairs and music provided. The Natural Burial Company can also supply refreshments if required, or you can bring your own picnic to celebrate the life of your loved one. Only one service is conducted a day, so there are no time constraints.
For further information, or to arrange to visit The Orchards, please email info@thenaturalburialcompany or telephone us on (0116) 222 0247.
The Sun Life Cost of Dying Report for 2023 has now been published. This much respected annual report provides a comprehensive view of funeral costs and attitudes across the country.
This report provides extremely interesting information regarding funeral costs, including breaking down prices into categories and regional variations.
The Natural Burial Company is dedicated to supporting the bereaved, an aspect of this is ensuring that our services are well priced. We always try to ensure fair pricing, and strive to ensure personal, caring services to provide exceptional value for money. Therefore, we have taken the opportunity to study the latest Sun Life report and compare our prices against the published findings.
The average cost of a funeral service in the East and West Midlands is quoted as £3,892. It is noted that 1 in 4 people who arranged a funeral were surprised by the cost. Burial is on average more expensive than cremation with the average cost of a burial being £4,794.
Comparing The Natural Burial Company prices against the above the difference in cost and value is clear.
A full “Family Led” burial service arranged by The Natural Burial Company at our Prestwold or Scraptoft Natural Burial Grounds with a Cardboard Coffin would be £2,700. The same service at Wrottesley Park would be £2,870 – This represents a saving of £2,094 at Prestwold or Scraptoft, and £1,924 at Wrottesley Park against the quoted average price.
Even with a Willow Eco Coffin these prices only rise to £2,940 at Prestwold and Scraptoft, and £3,110 at Wrottesley Park.
These Natural Burial Company prices are for a complete burial service, with a new grave. Furthermore, only one burial is arranged a day so there are not the time constraints experienced at most crematoria and cemeteries. Further details regarding our burial services are available here Full Natural Burial – Direct Natural Funerals (funeralsdirect.co.uk)
The Sun Life reports also discusses the continued popularity of Direct Cremation services. The cost of such services can vary greatly, with some internet providers offering a service for less than £1,000. Accordingly the average cost is so much lower than standard cremations and burials, at £1,511.
The Natural Burial Company now offer a similar service. Although we believe it important to provide our own very personal level of service, support and care, even in these most simple of arrangements. We also include Interment of the Cremated Remains at one of our Natural Burial Grounds in the price of our Direct Cremations. Furthermore, as cremation is not as environmentally friendly as natural burial we will plant 3 trees for each Direct Cremation we conduct. Accordingly, whilst our costs are higher than the average at £1,750 for a Direct Cremation with Unattended Interment at a Natural Burial Ground, and £1,980 including a full Cremated Remains Interment Service or Celebration of Life. Again, we believe that this provides exceptional value when compared to the average price which is for a Direct Cremation only. Further details regarding these services are available here Direct Cremation – Direct Natural Funerals (funeralsdirect.co.uk)
The Natural Burial Company also believe in offering a Direct Natural Burial service for those who require the simplicity of an unattended service, whilst having a burial rather than cremation. The cost of this service is £1,740 and further details are available here Direct Natural Burial – Direct Natural Funerals (funeralsdirect.co.uk)
Of course, you may wish to use the services of your own family funeral director. We work with all funeral directors and will make the arrangements to meet your needs. Even in such a case you will find great savings when comparing plot and interment prices to the local council cemetery.
*Loughborough Cemetery charge £1,430 for the purchase of a Traditional Grave and Interment for an adult, or £1,230 for a Lawn Grave and Interment. Whilst these prices appear reasonable, they are doubled for non-residents of Loughborough and tripled for those who live outside of Charnwood. The cost of a full grave plot and interment fee at Prestwold Natural Burial Ground is £1,250.
At Gilroes Cemetery in Leicester the charges are £3,360 for a Traditional Grave and Interment for an adult, or £2,170 for a Lawn Grave. Again, charges are doubled for non-residents. The cost of a full grave plot and interment fee at Scraptoft Natural Burial Ground is £1,250.
At Danescourt Cemetery in Wolverhampton the charges for the above is £3,110, a 50% surcharge is also added for non-residents. The cost at Wrottesley Park Natural Burial Ground is £1,420.
Furthermore, The Natural Burial Company do not charge any additional fees for those living away from the area. Not only this, all plots may be personally selected and paid for in advance at todays price. Finally, it is worth remembering that a natural burial helps support the environment, provides a beautiful natural legacy, and ensures a tranquil, peaceful place for visitors to visit and remember.
For further information or to arrange to visit one of our natural burial grounds please call (0116) 222 0247 or email
Whilst our ethos is to provide natural burials we realise that for many reasons people may require cremation services. We are noticing many are opting for a direct cremation, and then arranging a natural burial for the cremated remains. As such, we believe it appropriate to provide the most environmentally friendly option we can for those who require a direct cremation and then arrange a natural legacy for future generations.
Therefore, we are now able to provide a complete direct cremation with natural interment of cremated remains. Arranged and conducted by our own caring, trusted team. For each cremation we will plant three trees, one on the grave and two others at one of our natural burial grounds.
As we are dedicated to supporting the environment our direct cremation services must be followed by a natural interment of cremated remains. This interment can be a private event or a full service or celebration of life. Our aim is to provide a truly personal goodbye and provide a beautiful natural memorial and legacy, whilst keeping costs to a minimum.
There are many benefits to our direct services.
Cost – Direct services are below that of “traditional” funerals. Direct natural burials cost £1,690 and direct cremations with natural interment of cremated remains (including the planting of three trees) is available from £1,750.
Convenience – Whilst the direct (unattended) cremation is conducted at the earliest opportunity, the interment can then be arranged at a later date convenient for all. For example, a celebration of life could be arranged on a special date or when the weather is warmer. The celebration can include a picnic, music or anything personal to make a truly special goodbye.
Peace of Mind – Many direct services are arranged by web based companies. Our services are all arranged and conducted by our well respected team. We provide exactly the same level of care and service for all of our clients.
Caring for the Environment – Caring for the environment is key to everything that we do. We only use environmentally friendly coffins for all of our direct services. And we plant three trees for each direct cremation conducted.
A Natural Legacy – Trees planted will provide a beautiful legacy that will also help support the environment. All of our burial grounds are managed with a light touch to encourage nature and promote biodiversity.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require further information, we are here to help you.
We understand that many people wish to temporarily decorate the graves of loved ones during the festive period, therefore, we will once again be relaxing our regulations during this time, to allow tasteful personalisation of graves using natural materials.
Between Saturday 10th December 2022 and Sunday 8th January 2023, graves may be decorated, subject to items being appropriate to a natural burial ground and respectful to all within our care.
We ask that you do not place items of sentimental or financial value as The Natural Burial Company cannot be held responsible for damaged or lost items.
After 8th January 2023 any items remaining will be removed. Therefore, please remove items from graves before this date if you wish to keep them for future use.
All of our burial grounds will be open to visitors throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Please remember though that conditions under foot and in car-parks may be slippery and uneven. Please stay safe and warm.
Throughout this period our team remain available to help and support everyone.
Caring for the environment is key to everything we do. Therefore, we are very proud to have joined The Great Big Green Week which will be taking place countrywide in September.
At each of our burial grounds, Prestwold (near Loughborough), Scraptoft (Leicester) and Wrottesley Park (Wolverhampton), we will be holding an event to raise awareness of environmentally friendly funeral services, whilst also supporting local green community groups.
And we are inviting companies, groups and individuals to join us at these events so we can all make a difference.
Funeral Directors, Florists, Celebrants and Suppliers – Do you provide environmentally friendly services? If so, why not join us? We want to help people to be aware of the choices they have for ensuring a green send off for themselves or their loved ones.
Community Groups – Are you an organiser for, or a member of, a community group with an environmental focus? We would love to have you at your local event.
Local Walking Groups – We wish to arrange a walk at each of our events. Would your group like to lead this walk?
Wildlife Groups – It would be great to have you attend to promote your work.
Have we missed you out? – If you are interested in supporting The Great Big Green Week and have something to offer but don’t fit into the above, no problem. We would love to talk to you about what you can offer.
For further information or to express an interest please contact Christopher by email at It would be great to have a broad section of bereavement service and community groups present. And of course, everyone is invited to attend.
Providing beautiful, environmentally friendly, cost effective burial services in a peaceful woodland or meadow setting.
In recent years there has been an increase in direct cremations, initially due to high profile funerals such as that of David Bowie. More recently the covid crisis has necessitated this option for many in society. The advantages of such a service are clear, the cost is much below that of a traditional funeral and greater emphasis can be placed on what may be seen as more appropriate ways to remember and celebrate a life. Especially for those who are not religious.
However, it is not well known that direct natural burial is also available. This allows the cost and simplicity advantages of direct cremation whilst also ensuring the greatest possible care for nature and the environment. This also allows the opportunity for family and friends to visit a beautiful area of peace and tranquility to remember their loved one.
So what is a direct natural burial? Put simply, the burial is conducted with the usual care and respect at one of our natural burial grounds, but without a service and with no mourners present. The Natural Burial Company would choose the grave plot and this would remain unmarked. The family would be aware of the burial ground, but would not be informed of the exact location of the plot. However, a memorial tree and/or plaque may be purchased and be placed in our memorial area. The grave plot may also be purchased at a later date, this would then allow for the grave to be identified and memorials to be placed on the grave if you wish.
As the service is simplified and the grave is not identified the cost is significantly less than for a standard burial plot. This allows for funds to be available for a celebration, memorial service or other activity in remembrance. As with all of our services we ensure that our care for the deceased, the bereaved and the environment is total.
A direct burial plot with gravedigging and administration fees is £780 at our Prestwold and Scraptoft Natural Burial Grounds and £850 at our Wrottesley Park Natural Burial Ground. Additional charges will be made by your funeral director for other items such as the coffin, transport and their professional services.
For further information regarding direct natural burial please don’t hesitate to contact The Natural Burial Company or your funeral director. We are here at all times to help you care for the environment, save money and ensure a beautiful natural legacy.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an increase in people thinking about their own funeral. More and more people are planning their funeral service to ensure their wishes are met. This process can be extremely positive and comforting, whilst also reducing the burden for those left behind of trying to make the correct choices whilst grieving.
All of our burial plots can be chosen and paid for in advance. Be it woodland burial, interment of ashes, or choosing plots for all of the family. Our team are available to meet you at the burial ground, answer your questions and help explain the options available. The plot(s) can then be selected and paid for at todays price. Once paid the plot is secured, no matter how much the price of a plot increases in the future.
Our team can also help you to plan the details of your funeral service. Once again, this can remove worry for your loved ones and will ensure that your goodbye is exactly as you wish it to be – an elaborate traditional service, a themed funeral or the most simple of direct burials and everyone invited to the pub to toast your memory. We can help you to prepare a statement of wishes which can then be kept with your personal documents. We do not charge for this service.
There are many aspects that you may wish to consider:
Vehicles – An Electric, Horse Drawn or Motorcycle Hearse. Or even a VW Camper Van or Morris Minor. It may be that you wouldn’t want a hearse at all. Many people travel to their final resting place in a family or friends estate vehicle.
Shroud, Coffin or Casket – There are so many environmentally friendly coffins and caskets. Cardboard, Bamboo and Willow are just a few of the options available. Shroud burials are also popular.
Music – Traditional hymns and songs can be sung. But also personal favorites can be played, pop, rock, reggae or classical. What matters is what is important to you. Recent services have included music by Queen, Status Quo, Bryan Adams and a 60’s mix. Also theme tunes to well known TV shows and films. We have blue tooth speakers so recorded music can be played. Live music can also feature and can be especially personal if it is family or friends playing the instruments.
Harriet Flather, Harpist
Themed Services – If something has always been important to you in life, it’s appropriate that this passion is also key to your goodbye. It can be as simple as everyone wearing a particular colour, or can be as specific and special as you wish.
Simple Burial – You do not have to have a service at all. A direct burial is simple and cost effective. What you may consider to be a more appropriate goodbye can then be arranged. A meal or event for family and friends, or maybe a pub night for all to remember the good times?
Caring for the Environment – Having a tree planted on your grave will ensure a wonderful, natural legacy. Also bird boxes or nature homes can help make a difference and encourage nature. A wonderful parting gift for the natural world and future generations.
You can also pay for all aspects of your final goodbye with a pre-payment funeral plan. Almost all funeral directors now have plans available, many of which provide excellent peace of mind. However, please ensure that you ask plenty of questions and get a quote first in order to ensure that you are taking the right plan for you. For example, make sure that you are not paying for items or services that would not be required. And how environmentally friendly is the service offered (for example coffin options)? If in doubt contact several companies or ask a friend for advice. We are also able to help you if you wish.
Planning your funeral in advance is practical and beneficial and does provide peace of mind to many people. We are here to help you and you are welcome to contact us at any time if you require further information. Helping you to ensure that your final goodbye is exactly what you would wish it to be. Removing additional stress and worry from your loved ones. And caring for the environment in death as well as life.
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