Frequently asked questions

WHY CHOOSE A NATURAL GREEN BURIAL?

People often choose a green burial as they see death as a source of life and view the body as a gift to the earth to nurture new life – trees, flowers and wildlife - rather than something to be disposed of. It is also the end-of-life option that has the lowest carbon footprint (indeed the process of woodland burial sequesters carbon) and is the least polluting option. There is no such thing as an unkempt grave in a natural burial ground - people have made a choice for nature to ‘look after’ the grave.

CAN ANYONE HAVE A NATURAL BURIAL?

Yes. Natural burials or the interment of ashes will be open to people of all faiths or none. We will accommodate different customs and ceremonies as long as they respect the natural ethos of the woodland.

Can I pre-purchase or reserve a plot?

At Primrose Wood, you can pre-purchase a single plot for a burial or ashes interment, or a double side-by-side plot for future use, offering peace of mind and helping to plan ahead with care.

DO I NEED A FUNERAL DIRECTOR?

Whilst you can pre-purchase a burial or ashes interment plot direct with us, you can do this direct with us or via a pre-paid Funeral Plan with your chosen funeral director. In reality, when the time comes, a funeral director will probably be the person to collect the deceased, look after them until the time of burial, bring them to burial and help you do the paperwork involved in the death of a loved one.

WHICH IS GREENER: A NATURAL BURIAL OR CREMATION?

A natural burial is far more environmentally-friendly than a cremation. It strips away the industrial elements of traditional burial and significant polluting effects of cremation. With a natural green burial, the body is not embalmed; it is wrapped in a simple shroud or placed in a biodegradable coffin; and buried at a shallow depth in a protected woodland or meadow.  The body decomposes rapidly, turning into nutrients for the soil. A tree or wildflowers are established on top which actively helps sequester carbon and encourage local biodiversity.  

Cremations use a surprisingly large amount of fossil fuel (the equivalent of a 500-mile journey) and an average cremation emits 160kg to 190kg of CO₂ contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.  Chemical pollution and carcinogens are released from embalmed bodies and atmospheric pollution is produced from coffin glues and liners, dental fillings and plastics. The alkalinity of the ashes mean that we cannot plant trees directly over an ashes plot as the tree will not grow and thrive.

CAN WE PURCHASE A BURIAL PLOT AND ASHES PLOT ADJACENT?

Yes, you can buy a single burial plot with a single ashes plot adjacent. We just need to plan the siting carefully as a tree cannot be planted directly over the ashes plot.

Can we hold a ceremony or gathering at the burial site, or nearby?

Yes. Families are welcome to hold a post-burial ceremony, service, or simple farewell at the burial site with a celebrant from our list – or lead the ceremony yourselves. For a celebratory memorial, we will partner with The Tudor Barn at Milden Hall Farm, which is a two-minute drive away from the burial site and managed by the same family team.  Alternatively, you can choose a local pub or village hall – we will provide you with details.

Do WE have to use a specific type of coffin or shroud?

Yes.  We ask that all coffins, urns, or shrouds are made from natural, biodegradable materials such as untreated wood, willow, bamboo, cardboard, cotton shroud or other natural fibres. No plastics, varnishes, or metals will be permitted as these can harm the environment.

CAN I CHOOSE THE EXACT LOCATION FOR A BURIAL PLOT?

If you pre-purchase a plot, you can give us some preferences for areas where you would like to be laid to rest which we will try to accommodate. However, with the passage of time, logistics or circumstances beyond our control (such as the weather), these areas may no longer be available at time of need. For double side-by-side plots, we would ensure that there was space next to the first person buried for the second to join them in the adjacent plot when the time comes.

If buying a plot at time of need, we will have several locations from which you can choose. However, there is inevitably a logical system for siting burials to ensure good access in all seasons and landscaping so we can’t offer you absolutely anywhere!

Will graveS BE MARKED?

Yes, but only natural wooden plaques on small posts provided by us, Primrose Wood, that blend into the growing woodland. You can write a short text for us to inscribe. You will also be able to choose whether you’d like us to plant a tree with wildflowers or to opt for just wildflowers from an approved list of locally characteristic native species which will grow well in these soils and, in the long term, will thrive with traditional woodland management. No other types of headstones / gravestones are permitted on the site. This includes, but is not limited to: headstones made from granite, marble, limestone or slate.

HOW WILL THE SITE BE MAINTAINED?

Primrose Wood will be managed as a woodland burial ground and nature reserve in perpetuity with areas of wood and lots of open glades and meandering paths. Before burial and ashes plots are taken up, the large open areas not planted with trees will be managed as a wildflower hay meadow where wildflowers can bloom and provide forage for bees and butterflies, with meandering paths regularly cut through for visitors’ access.  Trees planted to develop into woodland with wildflowers will be managed to ensure their healthy growth and, in time, traditionally coppiced to create a good uneven aged woodland structure that woodland wildlife favour.  We will keep a list of the wildlife that uses the habitat for visitors.

How long does a natural burial site last?

Natural burial grounds are protected as green spaces. At Primrose Wood, our aim is for the site to remain a thriving, traditionally managed woodland indefinitely — a lasting, living memorial for all those laid to rest here. And a nature reserve for all the wildlife that live in it too.

WILL the burial ground BE open for visitors?

Yes, but only during visiting hours to be listed on the site. We ask that you visit respectfully, keeping paths clear and wildlife undisturbed.

For further information, please email info@primrosewoodnaturalburial.co.uk or call us on 01787 247235.