Tag: natural burial

A Meaningful Goodbye

During these challenging times it saddens us to hear that because of restrictions many people are unable to say goodbye to a loved one in the way they wish.  Green burial is different as everything we do is aimed at providing a personal  and caring service, free of time constraints and with the minimum of restrictions.

At The Natural Burial Company we have always been proud of the personal service we can offer.  Whilst we believe that this is always essential, during the coronavirus pandemic this is even more important.

Funeral services can be arranged on any day and at any time.  We also only have one service on each day at our burial grounds – this means that you can have as long as you want to say goodbye in the way that is right and appropriate.  Music can be played and many families have also chosen to raise a toast and/or have a picnic around the grave.  This allows time to think and talk about your loved one, and to catch up with family who you may not have been able to see for many weeks.  We can supply freshly cleaned picnic blankets and can mark areas to ensure that everyone confirms to social distancing.  We can also accommodate up to 20 people attending, and will ensure that sufficient car parking and waiting areas are available to keep everyone safe.

We provide services for cremated remains as well as full burials.  So if your loved one had a direct cremation you can still conduct a full, meaningful service for them.

Natural burial provides all of this, whilst also ensuring you are caring for the environment and saving money against traditional burials.  There will also be a beautiful place to visit and pay your respects in the future.  And a wonderful, natural legacy for future generations.

Prestwold in Spring

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Greener World, Greener Funerals

So many people have noticed the environmental changes since the lockdown restrictions have been in place.  The air is cleaner, nature is thriving.  We seem to have a greener world.

As we move out of special measures and the world becomes a safer place again, we all have an opportunity to help also make it a better place.  People are talking about making less car and plane journeys, planting trees and making gardens more nature friendly. Thinking how we can all help the planet and the wildlife we share it with.

Our care for the environment in life can continue in death.  Natural Burial offers everyone the opportunity to continue care by reducing the carbon footprint of their funeral service and leaving a beautiful natural legacy.  A greener funeral for a greener world.

We understand that for religious or cultural reasons people will continue to choose cremation.  However, the cremated remains can still be buried at a natural burial ground.  And a memorial tree will not only be a beautiful natural legacy.  You will also know that you are making a positive difference to the environment.  Of course, family, friends and future generations will also have somewhere beautiful to visit and remember.

It is a fact that Natural Burial is far more environmentally friendly than cremation or traditional burial.  Opting for a Natural Burial makes a difference in itself.  But what more can be done to ensure a greener funeral?

An environmentally friendly coffin, casket or shroud is very important. Many traditional coffins have plastic handles and are made using chemicals that are not environmentally friendly.  There are now many alternatives to these coffins.  An online search will help you find cardboard, bamboo, willow and other coffins, as well as natural shrouds.  Your funeral director should be able to offer a range of options for you.  And even if you would like a traditional coffin, you can still have wooden or rope handles.

On occasions embalming (or as it is sometimes called Hygienic Treatment) is essential to care for someone after death.  However, this is not always the case and you may wish to discuss this with your funeral director.  Many embalming chemicals are bad for the environment.

Electric hearses are now available and becoming more common.  Again, don’t be afraid to ask your funeral director if they have, or have access to, such a vehicle.  Electric private ambulances are now also available for collecting the deceased from home or hospital.

Many funeral directors also have an environmental policy and look to help ensure a greener funeral in many other ways.  If you are unsure of a particular company look at their website or make a telephone call.  The vast majority of funeral directors are dedicated, caring professionals who would gladly help.

As we look to make a positive difference in life we can also do so in death.  At the Natural Burial Company we are passionate about helping to care for the enviroment, encourage nature, and making a real difference when celebrating the lives of loved ones.  Our team are available to help you at all times.  You are welcome to contact us by telephone or email to further discuss how we can all work together for the benefit of everyone.

Scraptoft Natural Burial Site

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Introducing our Community Fund

25 Years of Care

To celebrate 25 years of caring for the environment and the community The Natural Burial Company are, throughout 2020, providing grants to local groups to support environmental projects.

Supporting the Environment

Caring for the environment is becoming more important and we applaud the work that so many are doing to make a positive difference. We know that this is not always easy and money can be tight. Therefore, community and charity groups may contact us to apply for a small grant to support this important work.

Who can apply and how?

It may be that you are a nursery group teaching children about the great outdoors, an allotment society, or a nature care group. Key is that you are local and are working to support the environment in one way or another.

To apply for a grant you simply need to email us at providing details of your group or organisation, a brief summary of the work you conduct, and how the money will be spent. Our funds are limited so we can’t help everyone, we also can’t help businesses, private individuals or political groups. However, we will do everything we can to help support the many wonderful groups who are working to make our world a better place.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Working to Eliminate Funeral Poverty

The Bad News

Two recent reports have shown that funeral costs have once again risen. The Sun Life Cost of Dying Report lists the average funeral cost in 2019 as £4,417. The Royal London Annual Funeral Cost Index for 2019 lists the figure as £3,785. On average, burial costs are higher still as cemetery space in many urban areas reduces, leading to increased prices.

The Good News, Natural Burial

However, this is not the full story as natural burial offers fully personalised services which help the environment, at costs well below what would be expected in traditional cemeteries. The natural burial ground also provides a beautiful, tranquil place to visit, encourages nature and ensures a natural legacy for future generations.

Personalising the Service

By arranging a totally personalised “family led service” you have the satisfaction of ensuring all arrangements are exactly as you wish. Whilst not having to pay for items and services that you don’t need. Your funeral director can help advise and guide you to achieve this. As would The Natural Death Centre (www.naturaldeath.org.uk). Our team are also extremely experienced in providing help and advice.

Direct Burial

Whilst it is well known that “Direct Cremation” is becoming increasingly popular the principle of Direct Burial is not so well known. We offer this service at The Natural Burial Company. Allowing a non-attended service for a significant reduction in cost. By ensuring that you are aware of the burial ground in which the service took place (but not the specific grave) you have a beautiful place to visit and remember. After all, the natural beauty of the burial ground is itself a tribute to those in its care. You can also arrange a slate plaque and/or tree in a memorial area if you wish.

Find out More

We passionately believe that funeral poverty is wrong and will do our best to work hard to provide the best possible service for reasonable cost. So many others agree also with our stance. You can find more details regarding these and further information on challenging funeral poverty at www.fairfuneralscampaign.org.uk

Here For You

Everyone has a right to say goodbye to a loved one in the manner appropriate to the life lived. We at The Natural Burial Company are dedicated to working with you, all agencies and funeral directors to play our part to make this happen.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Prestwold Hall Bereavement Awareness Day 17th May 2018

We are excited to announce that all details are now confirmed for our Prestwold Hall Bereavement Awareness Day for Dying Matters Week and supporting Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

The day will feature a number of presentations and an open forum allowing you to ask questions and discuss any aspect of bereavement and funerals.  We also have an exhibition featuring local service providers, bereavement support, and caring professionals who you will be able to speak to in confidence in private areas if you wish.

The day starts at 11.00 and plenty of free parking is available.  There will also be refreshments on-site.

Tickets are free but we request that you book your space by contacting us at or telephone (0116) 222 0247.

Prestwold Bereavement Awareness Day 2018 – A4 Poster

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Beautiful Autumn

Autumn 2017 1.(1)Autumn is here and the beauty of our natural burial grounds continues.  The mornings are stunning, crisp underfoot with little to hear but birdsong.  Truly wonderful places to remember away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  Our burial grounds remain open throughout the year and all are welcome to visit to remember in an area of peace and tranquillity.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like further information or wish for a guided visit to one of our burial grounds.  We are here for the environment and for you.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Finalist at Good Funeral Awards

We are proud to announce that our Scaptoft Burial Ground has been nominated as a finalist in the Best Burial Ground in the UK category in the Good Funeral Awards.  It’s a great honour to be nominated and we look forward to the final at the Porchester Hall in  Bayswater, London on Thursday 7th September.

 

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Wrottesley Park Open Day

We are proud to announce that we are holding an open day at our Wrottesley Park Natural Burial Ground on Saturday 26th August.  11.00am – 4.00pm.

Our team will be on hand to give guided tours of the Burial Ground and the beautiful Wrottesley Park woodland.  Also answer any questions you have regarding natural burial.

The burial ground is located close to Wolverhampton off the A41 Holyhead Road on Wrottesley Park Road between Codsall and Perton.  The postcode is WV8 2HE.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0116 222 0247 if further information is required.The Natural Burial Company

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Scraptoft in Summer

Perfectly located close to Leicester in the beautiful English countryside.  Scraptoft Natural Burial Ground provides the perfect setting for one’s final resting place.

The grounds present expanses of tranquillity, offering peace and space for reflection and remembrance.

You are able to choose a plot in advance.  Please contact our office on (0116) 222 0247 for further details or to arrange an appointment.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park