I want to talk to you about natural burial grounds but I don’t want it to be all doom and gloom, because that doesn’t match with the beauty of natural burial grounds or what they’re about.

Hipster Natural Burial Grounds

So, you know how when you’re done with this whole life thing and you kick the bucket, most people bury their bodies in those kinda generic cemeteries? Well, a natural burial ground is a little different. It’s like the hipster version of a cemetery, you know?

Instead of all the fancy tombstones and iron gates, it’s all about going back to nature, man. No embalming, no concrete vaults, just a simple wooden or willow coffin or a shroud, and being laid to rest in a beautiful meadow or forest.

Personally, I like the white willow coffins, there’s something kinda reassuring about them. Maybe it’s because there just so clean and crisp looking. It’s kinda light and refreshing and not heavy and depressing. But, if you’re not into white coffins there’s plenty more colours and styles to choose from. Check them out here.

It’s all about being one with the earth, letting your body decompose naturally, and giving back to the environment.

Some people might think it’s a bit out there, a little bit woo-woo, but honestly, I kinda dig the idea.

It’s like embracing the circle of life and returning to where we all came from, you know? I think of it as recycling. I’ve been religiously recycling plastic, paper and glass for decades, so the whole recycling thing makes sense to me.

So if you’re looking for a final resting place that’s a little less conventional and a little more in tune with nature, a natural burial ground might be just the thing for you.

Why Natural Burial Grounds Are Dope

Yo, let’s talk some more about natural burial, cause it’s actually pretty dope.

First off, we gotta mention the environmental benefits.

When you go the natural burial route, you’re skipping out on all those embalming chemicals and fancy caskets. That means less nasty stuff seeping into the ground and polluting our precious Earth.

Plus, natural burial sites are all about creating a habitat for wildlife, so you’re giving back to nature in a big way. It’s like a little slice of heaven for all those creatures.

For example at the Old Park Meadow natural burial ground in Essex, you can actually sponsor bird boxes for Barn Owls or Bats, I love both of them so for me it’s really cool, but my absolute favourite is the hedgehog box. They are simply so cute and I would definitely feel good knowing that one of my final acts was to give a little back to this beautiful world we live on.

The Bottom Line

Now, let’s get real and talk money and natural burial grounds.

Traditional burial ceremonies can cost you an arm and a leg if you’re living in a big city which is short on space. When it comes to getting buried, whether it’s a coffin or an urn with your ashes, it’s all about location, location, location.

Some natural burial sites can be way more affordable than a plot in an overcrowded urban cemetery.

Don’t get me wrong. It is not guaranteed that they will be cheaper, like everything you do have to shop around. Yes, I did just say shop around. You shop around for everything else so why should a burial plot for your body or ashes be any different?

A funeral is big money spend so you might as well spend it wisely. It’s not as if you are going to do it again, it is strictly a once in a lifetime gig.

Without all the fancy funeral services and expensive caskets, you could save a ton of cash.

Want to know something funny?
At Old Park Meadow natural burial ground in Essex, the price of the plot depends on location. If you opt for a plot on the river’s edge (£5,250), it’s way more expensive than the Wildflower Meadow (£1,650). I’m not sure why exactly, but I’ll be sure to let you know if I find out.

Plus, natural burial sites tend to be managed by organisations focused on  preserving the natural wildlife, so they’re all about keeping the maintenance costs low and reasonable.

There’s no expensive weed killer to buy because the verges don’t have to be kept manicured to within an inch of their life and there’s no worry about graves sinking or non-native plants getting enough water.

It’s a win-win situation for your wallet.

But wait, there’s more. Natural burial also has some serious emotional benefits.

Natural Burial is Good For The Soul

In a world where death is often a hush-hush topic, natural burial brings it right out into the open.

It’s all about connecting with the natural cycle of life and death. You’re not shutting the door on the deceased, but rather allowing them to return to the Earth and become part of something greater.

It can be a beautiful way to honour their memory and find some closure, especially when they are being buried in a coffin that holds some value for everyone. For example, a cardboard coffin decorated by their family. Cardboard coffins are inexpensive but they can be lovingly decorated.(check prices here)

Read more about cardboard coffins in this blog post: Should You Choose Cardboard Coffins For A Funeral

So there you have it, folks. Natural burial is good for the environment, good for your bank account, and good for your soul. It’s a breath of fresh air in the funeral industry, and definitely worth considering when it’s your time to leave this world.

For a list of natural burial sites I recommend you check out NaturalDeath.org