Tag: natural burial

Proud to Serve

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.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Our New Natural Burial Ground, The Orchards at Prestwold

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.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Our Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

We are proud to announce that The Natural Burial Company are now an Introducer Authorised Representative of Open Prepaid Funerals who offer fair, clear and transparent funeral plans.

Prepaid Funeral Plans from Open Prepaid Funerals
Prepaid Funeral plans are now regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and as such have very strict and stringent rules around their sale which are designed to protect you the consumer. We have chosen to become an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of Open Prepaid Funerals who are authorised and regulated by the FCA as a plan provider Registered No: 962403 and who will handle all the regulatory and financial requirements around taking out your plan. Open were established in 2003 and have a very experienced team who will look after the financial aspects of the plan whilst keeping us on hand to ensure your personal preferences can be met and that we maintain our relationships with the families we serve. You can jump straight to The Natural Burial Company page on Open’s website to see the standard plans and prices simply click here https://www.openprepaidfunerals.co.uk/prepaid-funeral-plans/fd/3322

When it comes to planning a funeral, it can be a sensitive topic to navigate – especially if you are a loved one planning a service or ceremony for the deceased. That’s why it may be beneficial to consider the option of a prepaid funeral plan – as you can alleviate the emotional and financial burdens from your family and loved ones by planning and paying for your own funeral ahead of time. We believe it’s all about the personal touch – which is why here at The Natural Burial Company we have chosen to be an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of Open Prepaid Funerals who can provide you with a suitable prepaid funeral plan for your needs. This relationship allows The Natural Burial Company to provide Open with our expertise and guidance on how the funeral is conducted whilst they set up a plan which can be tailormade to your needs and preferences.

About Open Prepaid Funerals
Open Prepaid Funerals was formed in 2003 and provides a secure and transparent method of planning your funeral ahead of time. With a range of prepaid funeral plans to choose from, you can choose almost anything from a Simple Plan to something very detailed and unique or something as basic and low key as an Unattended Cremation plan to cater for your own preferences entirely. The cost of your prepaid funeral plan depends entirely on the funeral plan you choose your personal preference and the level of service that you require. The final cost of your funeral could include cemetery or crematorium fees, funeral notices, limousines, flowers, orders of service and many more elements to ensure your funeral is as personal as possible should you wish. The expert team of Open Advisers will talk you through this on the telephone, online using Teams or Zoom, by email or if appropriate face to face. The Open Prepaid Funerals Trust deed has been created in such a way that its purpose is to offer greater protection to you the plan holder and your family or representatives. We here at The Natural Burial Company will have the responsibility for the provision of your funeral on behalf of you through Open Prepaid Funerals.

Why Choose a Prepaid Funeral Plan?
By choosing a prepaid funeral plan, this is a simple and practical way to let your loved ones know that everything is taken care of.

Some of the main benefits include:

Removes financial burden – as the funeral plan will be paid up front or in monthly instalments, this can reduce the financial burden on loved ones when the time comes.

Can alleviate emotional stress – planning your funeral beforehand alleviates the added stress, but also provides a caring solution to reduce emotional stress on your loved ones.

Funeral Director fees are fixed – although funeral plan prices may fluctuate due to inflation, by choosing an Open Prepaid Funeral plan, the price of the funeral directors professional services is fixed at the time the plan has been bought – meaning that your plan is safe for years to come.

Contribution to Core Disbursements – your contribution to disbursements is not currently guaranteed to there is a possibility that at the time of need, in relation to disbursements only, your family may have to contribute to the cost of these if the plan value is lower than the at need cost at the time.

Individual personalisation – by choosing a prepaid funeral plan, you can decide on the theme of your own funeral yourself and ensure that everything is to your taste and personal preference ahead of the time. By choosing a local independent funeral director with Open Prepaid Funerals, you can receive a high-quality experience along with the expertise required – allowing you to be safe in the knowledge your funeral is taken care of when the time comes. Simply get in touch with us and we will arrange an appointment with an Open adviser or you can contact Open directly on 0330 660 0072 to get the process started.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Direct Cremations from The Natural Burial Company

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.

To help we now have a new website Direct Natural Funerals (funeralsdirect.co.uk) to provide information and to offer direct cremation and direct natural burial services.

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.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Christmas and New Year Remembrance

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.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

The Good Funeral Awards 2022

We are very proud to announce that we have been shortlisted as a finalist at The Good Funeral Awards, hosted by the Association of Green Funeral Directors.

This year’s nomination follows on from our Wrottesley Park Natural Burial Ground being awarded Burial Ground of the Year at the 2021 event. A key member of our team, Awen Clement, was also awarded the Minister of the Year (any religion) award at the same event. In 2019 we were awarded winner of Best Bereavement Awareness Event for our Prestwold Hall Bereavement Awareness Day. Our Prestwold Natural Burial Ground was also a finalist in the Burial Ground of the Year at the same awards.

This year we have been further honoured as our Wrottesley Park Natural Burial Ground has again been nominated as a finalist for Burial Ground of the Year. Furthermore, our Gravedigger at Wrottesley Park, Paul Hallam, has been selected as a finalist for Gravedigger of the Year.

We are passionate about caring for the bereaved and the environment. Duties that we are proud to conduct. And whilst we work to help make a difference, and not for awards, we are all honoured and humbled to continue to receive such prestigious nominations.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

A Genuine Personal Goodbye

It is pleasing that so many people are now looking to arrange personal goodbye’s for loved ones. However, this can often be within traditional conventions and time constraints from service providers.

At The Natural Burial Company we believe in providing truly personal burial services to ensure that you say goodbye in the way you want, free from restrictions.

We only conduct one burial service each day. This allows totally flexibility on times and allows the option for a picnic or celebration at the grave side. Our team will remain available to help and support you at all times. Furthermore, these services do not need to be at traditional times and we can arrange burials on weekends, Bank Holidays, and in the evening. Torchlight services have also been conducted during the Spring, Summer and Autumn months.

The personalisation of the service itself can incorporate all aspects – a traditional motor hearse does not have to be used, and family and friends can act as bearers carrying and lowering the coffin/casket or shroud. The service or celebration can be conducted by a family member or friend rather than a minister of religion or officiant if you prefer. And we can provide a celebrant or simply act as “master of ceremonies” to help.

Our team can help you with putting a service plan together, and we would always recommend that there is an opportunity for those in attendance to share their own memories if they wish. Key is “getting it right”, not acting or speaking in a way that was not in keeping with your loved one. The best goodbye you can ever arrange is one that the deceased would have arranged for themselves.

Dressed Grave

Music also plays a big part in so many peoples lives, so what could be more appropriate than playing favourite or memorable songs, rock, disco, folk, punk, dance, it doesn’t matter. We have quality blue-tooth speakers so can prepare a playlist for you, or simply pass the speaker across for you to operate. Live music can also be played, recently we have had a folk group, guitarists, a flutist and even a harp playing at our burial grounds.

Environmentally friendly coffins, caskets and shrouds can be provided. These can also be decorated with flowers.

Willow Pod Coffin

In summing up, our team work with you to ensure a genuinely personal service. All in keeping with our key ethos of care for the deceased and the environment, whilst keeping our charges as low as possible. We wish to do everything we can to help you to say goodbye in the most appropriate way.

You are welcome to contact us to discuss how we can arrange a personalised goodbye for your loved one, or to pre-prepare your own service for when the time comes. Our team can be contacted at or (0116) 222 0247.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Christmas and New Year Remembrance

Our natural burial grounds will be open to visitors over the Christmas and New Year periods for those who wish to pay their respects. We will also be available for enquiries and service bookings throughout the festive period.

In common with previous years we will also be relaxing our regulations throughout this period to allow tasteful personalisation of graves.

Between Sunday 12th December and Thursday 6th January, graves may be decorated, subject to items being appropriate for 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 6th January 2022 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.

May we also request that so as not to cause upset, if you spot clear contraventions of our policies please contact the office on (0116) 222 0247, please do not remove items from other graves yourself.

Finally, may we wish everyone a safe and peaceful festive period.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Natural Burial during Covid – Update 14th May 2021

As you may be aware, restrictions on attending funeral and memorial services are being eased from Monday 17th May 2021.  However, some restrictions do remain and we wish to confirm how this will impact upon burial and memorial services at our natural burial grounds.

We have carefully considered how we can maximize the number of people who can arrange a burial service, whilst ensuring that social distancing can be safely adopted at the burial grounds and in our car parks.  Therefore,  we are pleased to announce that from Monday 17th May a total of fifty (50) people may attend full burial services at our natural burial grounds.  This is subject to social distancing being observed and all present abiding by the guidelines in place at the time of the service.

In order to help us prepare for services we request that we are provided with numbers attending in advance of any service if the number attending will exceed 25 people.  This will allow our team to take the appropriate precautions.  Confirmation of regulations and any additional requirements will also be provided to the funeral director or person arranging the burial at the earliest opportunity prior to the service.

With regards to services for cremated remains and memorial events such as tree planting, a maximum of thirty people are able to attend.  Again, we will contact the arranger prior to these services to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the regulations and to ensure the highest levels of safety for those present.

We will endeavor to remove all restrictions on numbers at the earliest legal and practical opportunity.  In the meantime we will work to see if we are able to increase the numbers who may attend services if this can be done safely.  Please accept our assurance that we are dedicated to helping and supporting everyone attending services and visiting our natural burial grounds, whilst doing everything we can to keep everyone safe.

We can, and will, continue to do everything we can to help support the bereaved, encourage nature and ensure biodiversity.  We are here for you at or on (0116) 222 0247.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

The Great Big Green Week – Working Together, Making a Difference

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.

Further details regarding events nationwide can be found www.greatbiggreenweek.com

Together we can make a difference.  Thank you.

 

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park