Have you ever heard of a natural burial ground? Or attended a funeral ceremony at one? Honestly before I started my Funeral Celebrancy training I didn’t have a clue what they were and had only briefly heard them mentioned previously.
Part of my training was to learn and understand about different funeral traditions and ceremonies; as well as understanding about different options for cremation or burial. During this I learnt and researched eco-funerals.
What is an Eco Funeral?
We are all becoming more and more aware of our impact on the natural world, and are working to reduce our carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable and eco friendly practices. The world of funerals is no different, and if looking after the environment is important to you, and/or your loved ones, then it is good to understand the options you have when thinking about funerals and the dignified disposal of a body.
One type of eco funeral which is increasing in popularity is natural burials.
What is a Natural Burial?
These burials have a much lower impact on the environment than a traditional burial or cremation.
Everything used is natural and biodegradable. Embalming is not permitted as this involves chemicals that may be harmful to the environment, and the body is buried in biodegradable coffins. At a natural burial ground you may choose to bury, or intern, ashes; again these must be contained in a biodegradable urn.
Aylesbury Vale Natural Burial Ground
As I neared the completion of my Funeral Celebrancy training, I took the opportunity to visit Aylesbury Vale Natural Burial Ground and was shown around by its custodian Sally Whitworth.
The site was established in 2014 by the then landowner Dorothy Brock when she decided she wanted to be buried in a natural way on her own land. The meadow itself forms part of the family’s farmland. Dorothy died in 2017 and was buried at the site; and it is now looked after by her daughter Sally and her family. The use of the land is restricted to natural burials by covenants contained in its 99-year lease, and forms part of the Whitworth farm so continues to provide land for grazing.
My first impression of the site was its peacefulness. The site is a beautiful meadow surrounded by hedges and trees with wide views across The Chiltern Hills. It is unspoilt, beautiful and natural.
As with all natural burial sites there are no grave markers. The graves are plotted in a grid pattern and if you have a loved one buried there you are provided with the coordinates of their plot to allow you to visit their grave and share the location with other loved ones.
You are not permitted to plant anything or leave any mementos on the plot, and if you would like to leave flowers these must be native species and be approved by the custodian; this is to preserve the natural habitat of the site.
When you first enter the site there is a pond area on the left which is a calm location to sit to reflect and remember loved ones. In this area there is also a memorial panel with slate plaques commemorating those who are buried there, as well as some memorial trees planted around the pond area.
The site is open all year round and the pedestrian gate is always open so you may visit the site at any time. Sally told me local cyclists often stop for a break at the pond area and I can see why, it offers a lovely peaceful stop with beautiful views.
Can you hold a ceremony there?
The burial ground offers a natural and peaceful alternative to a crematorium or cemetery. When you purchase a plot you are free to create the type of ceremony you wish to have.
Sally explained to me that they have hosted all different types of funeral at the site. Some people hold a private burial with just a few close family members in attendance with a separate wider ceremony held elsewhere, others may hold the full ceremony there before moving to a local venue for a wake, whilst others have held a full funeral at the site with a ceremony, food & drinks all at the site. It offers many different options to create a unique occasion to commemorate and celebrate the life of your loved one.
How do you organise a natural burial?
Organising a natural burial is much like organising any other type of burial and/or funeral. Your funeral director should be able to support you. Sally does encourage people to visit the site before purchasing a plot; it is important that the site, and the restrictions that come with ensuring the natural habitat is maintained, are right for you and your loved ones.
As well as organising a natural burial for someone who has died, you can also pre-purchase plots; and in this case there is an option to pay over a period of ten or twenty months.
Want to know more?
To find full information about Aylesbury Vale Natural Burial Ground do visit their website: https://www.leedam.com/locations/aylesbury-vale/