Tag: woodland burial’

Wrottesley Park Community Gratitude Day

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the opening of our Wrottesley Park Natural Burial Ground at Perton, near Wolverhampton.

We don’t think this date should pass without us saying thank you to the local community who work with us to ensure Wrottesley Park is a beautiful, natural place to visit and remember.

So, on Saturday 13th September we will be holding a Community Gratitude Day, our team will be present with refreshments, cake, free meadow seeds, and a warm welcome. Everyone is welcome, but we are also welcoming other local community groups, companies, bereavement related organisations and environmentally conscious individuals to join us.

For further information, or to participate in this celebration of love and nature please contact

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

The Answer is Yes…

At The Natural Burial Company we are dedicated to providing personalised, environmentally friendly services to support all within society. We see each individual arrangement as a blank canvas, and that we will help you to create a truly individual final goodbye to your loved one. Accordingly, the answer to so many questions asked of us is yes.

You can be involved in every aspect of the celebration or service, including helping prepare your loved one, personalising the coffin or casket, conducting the service on the day, carrying the coffin or casket, closing the grave, and all aspects of your goodbye. Music, readings, favourite stories, a toast at the graveside, or even a picnic. And, as we only conduct one service a day you do not have the time constraints there are at crematoria and traditional cemeteries.

We can visit you in your own home, meet at the natural burial ground, arrange everything by email or video call, and we have even arranged services in cafes and pubs. And whichever of our team you first meet will look after you throughout.

We offer an extensive range of coffins, caskets, and shrouds. All are environmentally friendly options and include Cardboard, Bamboo, Wicker, Wool, and even Mushroom.

A range of Hearse options are available, including Electric, VW Camper, Morris Minor, Motorcycle, and Land Rover. If your own vehicle has sufficient space you can even use your family car or van for the final journey.

And of course, the furry members of your family are welcome to attend. And if you let us know in advance we will make sure fresh water and treats are available.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way. Our team are ready with advice and support on all aspects of funeral service. And the answer to your questions will almost certainly be yes…

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Introducing the Loop Biotech Mushroom Coffin

At The Natural Burial Company we are dedicated to providing personal celebrations of life and funeral services, whilst maximising our care for the environment. As such we are honoured to be able to now offer the world’s first mushroom coffin.

We are proud to announce our collaboration with Loop Biotech Loop Biotech – Let’s enrich nature and together we’re on a mission to make a positive difference.

Loop Biotech’s products are grown in just 7 days from local mushrooms (mycelium) and upcycled hemp fibres. By using these innovative materials, we return nutrients to the earth and allow new life to flourish.

Mycelium is nature’s ultimate recycler, transforming organic matter into vital nutrients that enrich the earth. The Loop living Coffin biodegrades in the soil in just 45 days.

We’re incredibly proud of this collaboration and look forward to making a positive impact together with Loop Biotech. For further information please don’t hesitate to contact us on (0116) 222 0247 or 

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Weather Update, Monday 6th January 2025

As the weather conditions are currently challenging we wish to confirm the following.

All of our natural burial grounds are open, although it is recommended that you prepare for damp conditions underfoot (wellington boots highly recommended). There has been some flooding to our Prestwold access track, this is subsiding but we recommend that for the time-being you park at the first burial ground gates (beside the Prestwold sign) and use the public footpath – This information will be regularly updated.

We also understand that for many people leaving home may be difficult at present, therefore please remember that our team are always available to meet you in your own home. You don’t need to brave the cold or wet, let us come to you.

As always, our team are available to you at all times on (0116) 222 0247 and

Please stay safe and warm.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Plastic Free Funerals

As a company dedicated to caring for the environment and the bereaved, The Natural Burial Company believe it important to do everything we can to care for nature and our beautiful world.

Accordingly, whilst we already ban plastic handles at our natural burial grounds, and only offer environmentally friendly coffins for our Family Led Services, we also believe that the time is right for everyone within funeral service to cease the use of plastic coffin and casket handles.

Today we call on fellow funeral service professionals to support us in saying no to plastic. Please join our campaign #PlasticFreeFunerals.

Plastic Coffin Handles – Time for a Change

For many within funeral service the veneered or foil coffin with plastic handles has been the standard.  There are numerous reasons as to why this is the case and over the years this has been the public understanding of what a coffin looks like, although there may have been little understanding that the handles were plastic.

In recent years, public demand for greater environmentally friendly options and innovation from suppliers has resulted in the availability of coffins in greener materials such as Cardboard, Wicker and Wool. 

Whilst this change is welcomed there remains an issue regarding the use of plastic handles, in fact it is estimated that 3 million single use plastic coffin handles are used each year.  This creates totally unnecessary damage to our climate, especially when more environmentally friendly options such as wood or rope are readily available.   

Therefore, we believe that the time is right for all funeral directors to make the change.  In our 2023 survey* 84% of respondents answered that they would choose “greener option” wood or rope handles over plastic, a further 5% stated that they may, dependent on the cost.

Therefore, the public demand is there, and the excellent network of coffin and casket suppliers in the UK can provide the options, so any change could almost be instant.

In common with most natural burial grounds, The Natural Burial Company do not allow plastic handles, and their range of coffins, caskets, and shrouds available for Family Led Services (personalised funerals) is made up of environmentally friendly materials only.  This includes Willow, Cardboard, Bamboo, Jute, and Wool.

*Environmentally Friendly Funeral Awareness Survey 2023.

For further information www.thenaturalburialcompany.co.uk www.funeralsdirect.co.uk or email

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Christmas and New Year at The Natural Burial Company

As we approach the festive period we understand the need to visit and remember loved ones. And to expect care and service when needed, no matter what time of the year it is. Therefore, we wish to confirm that we will remain available at all times.

Visiting Burial Grounds – Our natural burial grounds remain open to visitors throughout the Christmas and New Year period. We do not have opening times, therefore, you are free to visit at a time convenient to you. We simply ask that you are consider the weather conditions to ensure your own health and safety, and that you abide by our guidelines regarding remembrance items on graves.

Our Service to you – You will be able to contact us at all times over the Christmas and New Year period. Our team will be available to visit, make arrangements, and provide support and advice. We will have a limited team available on certain days though so we may not be able to immediately answer phone calls. If this is the case please leave a message and one of our team will return your call at the earliest opportunity.

Our shared Community Hub at 1118a Melton Road, Syston LE7 2HA will be open weekdays between 10.00am and 3.00pm with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day. Outside of these hours we can visit you in your own home if required.

Service Times at the Natural Burial Grounds – Services are available as our standard practice (every day except Sunday, flexibility regarding times of service, only one full service per day per burial ground) with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.

Finally, may we wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Find out about a Prepaid Funeral Plan

You may not be aware, but The Natural Burial Company work in partnership with Open Prepaid Funerals.

Prepaying for your funeral puts you in control, giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind at what can be often be an emotional and difficult time.

Further information is available here Planning Ahead with The Natural Burial Company or call Open Prepaid Funerals on 0330 660 0072.

The Natural Burial Company is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Open Prepaid Funerals Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 962403

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

About Natural Burial

We receive a lot of questions about natural burial and what we do. We also sometimes read and hear information and opinions that are potentially misleading. Therefore, in a series of blogs we aim to answer questions and put minds at rest regarding natural burial, environmentally friendly funerals, and the services we provide. If there is question you would like answering please contact our team who would be happy to help.

Is natural burial really more environmentally friendly? – Yes, natural burial allows only environmentally friendly coffins, caskets or shrouds to be used. The deceased is not embalmed. Graves are dug by hand to a depth that maximises aerobic decomposition. And the burial grounds are maintained with a light touch to encourage nature and biodiversity. Furthermore, memorial options such as bird boxes, insect habitats and hedgehog homes support wildlife. The ultimate natural memorial is also available, a beautiful tree provides a lasting legacy for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.

Are we not running out of burial space? – Whilst this may be partially true in built-up areas where land has been used for housing, retail and factories. The fact is that we have been burying our dead in the UK for tens of thousands of years without problem.  It has been estimated that if every death in the UK resulted in a burial this would count for only approximately 750 acres of land per year. There are also now over 300 natural burial grounds in the UK, a similar volume to the number of crematoria, which means that almost everyone has a natural burial ground reasonably close to their home.

Does natural burial cost more? – In many areas the cost of a plot and interment in a natural burial ground is much lower than in a local municipal cemetery. Natural burial is also comparable in cost to cremation in many areas, whilst also ensuring a beautiful, peaceful place to visit and remember loved ones.

What will happen to the burial ground in the future? – Our natural burial grounds will be left to nature, to ensure nature and biodiversity thrives and the community has a beautiful place to visit. Other natural burial grounds will be placed into trust. If you are unsure regarding your local natural burial ground feel free to contact them, we are sure they would welcome the opportunity to explain their future plans.

Can we have floral tributes at the funeral? – Yes. We simply ask that you don’t use plastic trays, florist foam (oasis) or other materials that are environmentally unfriendly. There are an increasing number of florists who offer green alternatives. And if you are lucky enough to have a garden, what could be more personal than picking a selection of home grown flowers for your loved one.

Do you really have picnics at the graveside? – Yes, during the warmer months many families have picnics at the natural burial ground. We only conduct one full burial a day, so you have the time to spend as you wish. Our team remain available for you and we can provide tea, coffee, squash and music via quality blue-tooth speakers. Our aim is to provide you everything you need to ensure a personal goodbye in a way that’s appropriate and special.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Learning about Green Funerals

We understand that many people would like to know more about green funerals but may find it difficult to find information. Therefore, we offer various options to help the public, community groups, and funeral service professionals to be more aware of how a goodbye can be as environmentally friendly as possible.

You can arrange to meet a member of our team at one of our natural burial grounds at any time, we can also visit you.

Community Groups

We can visit your community group and conduct presentations on Making a funeral greener, Cost-effective Funeral Services, or Natural Burial. The presentation can be general or can include the services provided by The Natural Burial Company. The presentation will finish with a question and answer session and information will be available to take away.

Alternatively, groups can visit our natural burial grounds for a tour and explanation of natural burial, what we offer, and how all funerals can be greener.

Funeral Service Professionals

Celebrants, funeral directors and arrangers, florists, end of life doulas and anyone involved in bereavement and funeral services is welcome to arrange to visit our burial grounds. We can also visit branches and offices to provide information to help professionals be better equipped to help support clients and the general public regarding green funerals.

The General Public

Everyone is welcome to contact us at any time for further information. You can phone on (0116) 222 0247 or email and we can send information by email or post.

A personal visit to a natural burial ground is often the best option if you are able, this allows the greatest understanding of natural burial and how we encourage nature and ensure a natural legacy for all in our care.

Our team are here to help everyone to make the right choices for themselves, their loved ones, and the environment.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park

Supporting Green Funerals

The Natural Burial Company have been working with our friends at The Association of Green Funeral Directors Home (greenfd.org.uk) to create a film to help improve awareness of green and environmentally friendly funeral services.

As we all become more environmentally aware, ensuring that caring for nature is also achieved when arranging a final goodbye to a loved one is ever more important. We can all rest with nature in a beautiful meadow or woodland, thus, leaving a natural legacy and ensuring a tranquil place to visit and remember.

This film is one of a series that are being produced to help explain the options available at time of need. Natural burial, environmentally friendly coffins and caskets, electric funeral vehicles, and floral tributes without using plastic or florist foam are just some of the ways in which a service can be personal and environmentally friendly. Full and Associate Members of The Association of Green Funeral Directors are all dedicated to caring for the bereaved, whilst caring for the environment and are available to provide such services and support.

This film, once completed, will be available on The Association of Green Funeral Directors website and on various social media channels. Links will be provided as soon as they are available.

Caring for the bereaved and the environment is key to everything we do at The Natural Burial Company. A complete range of natural burial services, including full funerals, celebrations of life, and direct cremations with natural interment of cremated remains can be arranged. Further details are available by contacting our team on (0116) 222 0247, emailing or visiting Homepage – Direct Natural Funerals (funeralsdirect.co.uk)

Natural burials and green funerals can be arranged throughout the country. Members of the Association of Green Funeral Directors, and other caring funeral directors would also be able to help provide information and services to help.

As well as The Association of Green Funeral Directors we would also like to thank Amy Perkins Celebrant Facebook Chris Meynell Family Funeral Directors Funeral Directors – Syston | Chris Meynell & Family Funeral Directors (meynellfunerals.co.uk) Ecoffins Ecoffins | Handcrafted, Enviromentally Friendly Coffins Prestwold Hall Leicestershire Stately Home – Weddings, Celebrations & Corporate Events (prestwold-hall.com) and Alan Barnacle Gravediggers.

Natural Burial Locations

Prestwold
Scraptoft
Wrottesley Park