About Natural Burial
There are now hundreds of beautiful natural burial sites
all around the UK. Many of them are members of theAssociation of Natural Burial Grounds, the organisation
established by The Natural Death Centre in 1994.

Why should I choose a natural burial
ground belonging to the ANBG?
We recommend choosing an ANBG member because,by agreeing to abide by the Code of Conduct, members
are committed to ensuring the best possible service forfamilies.

The aims and objects of the ANBG have remained
unchanged. It seeks to assist people in the processof establishing natural and woodland burial grounds,
to provide guidance to operators and to represent itsmembers as a whole and not least, the Association has a
Code of Conduct for members, thus providing the publicwith assurance of best practice.
In addition to complying with all relevant legislation, andspecifically that concerned with planning, record keeping
and the financial probity of directors and trustees, each
Association member undertakes to adhere to the ANBG
Code of Conduct.
Copies are available from each member site or from The
Natural Death Centre.

blood with usually highly toxic chemicals) is thought ofas dangerous to human health and the environment.
In most instances it is completely unnecessary for either
the safe handling of the body or viewing by relatives.
N.B. Embalming is sometimes misleadingly called‘hygienic treatment’.

Why are only single depth burials 		
available?
The shallower a burial is, the less likely the body is torelease methane. This is a powerful greenhouse gas thatcan be produced by deep, anaerobic burials. A shallow
burial is the quickest way for a body to naturally degrade.
Westall Park Woodland Burial, Redditch, Worcestershire
For example, members have agreed to allow the use ofsimple, cardboard coffins and allow families to organisea funeral without a funeral director if they so wish.
They also guarantee long-term security for the graves
and have pledged to manage their sites sustainably andecologically.
All of our members also offer families the opportunity
to share their experience with others via the exclusive
feedback system operated by The Natural Death Centre.

Why are natural burial grounds 		
managed so differently?
Sustainable methods are used in maintaining natural
burial grounds and the surroundings are kept as natural
as possible to encourage biodiversity. Land used fornatural burials continues to benefit the community,
either through its eventual use as a wildlife reserve andgreen space or its continued agricultural or forestry
productivity.

Does it matter what coffin I choose?
Higher Ground Meadow, Dorchester, Dorset.

Why would I choose a natural burial?
People choose this style of burial because they wantto leave a positive, living legacy for future generations.
Many people nowadays are conscious of our impact
on the environment and wish to be as careful indeath as they have been during their lives to be asenvironmentally friendly as possible.

We do not want to bury coffins that are going to releasetoxins into the ground and that are produced in aninconsiderate or unsustainable way. We want them todegrade naturally. Association members will be able toadvise you of suitable coffin types.

Great Bradley Cottage NBG, Tiverton, Devon

Why are embalmed bodies not usuallyaccepted ?

Will we be able to have a headstone?

Embalming (or the process of replacing many pints ofMember sites provide alternative types of memorials totraditional headstones; to protect the natural appearanceof burial grounds, most member sites do not encourage
memorialisation, nor leaving of items on the grave. Thisapproach not only preserves the beauty of the landscape,but prevents complicated and costly maintenance issues,
as well as avoiding hazards to wildlife and waste disposal
problems.

How can I find a natural burial ground?
To find your nearest natural burial ground, look at theNatural Death Centre’s Burial Ground Directory, either
on the website or in the Natural Death Handbook, orcall us on the Helpline. Members of the Association are
clearly indicated in bold.

How can I find out more?
You can contact the Natural Death Centre for guidance,or get in touch with one of the members of theAssociation. You will find ANBG managers are keen toshow you their sites and explain how they function. They
will tell you all about the wildlife they support and allabout the different styles of funerals and ceremonies thatyou can arrange there. They will be able to discuss andadvise you on other subjects too, such as finding a good
local funeral directors, coffin choices and funeral plans.
All of the issues surrounding natural burial are also
contained within our iconic Handbook; now in its fifthedition.
The Natural Death Handbook also includes chapters
covering subjects such as:- Caring for someone dying at
home. Funerals and funeral director- how to organisea better funeral. DIY funerals. Preparing for dying.
Aspects of keeping a body at home.

email: contact@naturaldeath.org.uk									The Natural Death
Handbook (fifth 		edition)
The latest edition of thisessential and influential
guide covering the practical,
emotional and spiritual aspectsof death and dying.

Completely revised and expanded into a three bookbox set, the Natural Death Handbook now includes acollection of essays on death by eminent writers and a
directory of natural burial grounds in the UK and Ireland,
progressive funeral directors and suppliers of green
coffins and urns.
Together these three books make an indispensable guidefor anyone in need of practical advice, reassurance andinspiration. *Fifth edition published June 1st 2012
Receive a complimentary copy: Join the new Natural
Death Society and receive the Handbook free of chargeor
Buy online: www.naturaldeath.org.uk
Buy by post: Send a cheque for £24.00
made payable to The Natural Death Centre.

the natural choice

Frequently Asked
Questions about

Natural Burial

Natural Death Centre& Association of
Natural Burial Grounds
In The Hill House, Watley Lane
Twyford, Winchester, SO21 1QX

Helpline: 01962 712690

www.naturaldeath.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1091396