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?

Many natural burial grounds allow plots to be reserved in advance. At Primrose Wood, you will be able to pre-purchase a single or double plot for future use, offering peace of mind and helping to plan ahead with care.

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

Yes. Families are welcome to hold a pre-arranged 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 you have to use a specific type of coffin or shroud?

Yes.  We will 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?

We will have several locations from which you can choose a plot. 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 grave markers be allowed?

Yes, but only natural ones provided by our site. We will use small, simple wooden plaques that blend into the woodland.  You will also be able to choose whether to plant a tree with wildflowers or to opt for just wildflowers from an approved list of native species. 

Can I choose a specific tree or plant a tree on the grave?

Yes — you will be able to choose whether you would like a native woodland tree with wildflowers or just wildflowers to be planted on the grave plot. We will have a list of native, locally characteristic trees, shrubs and wildflowers from which you can choose from. These species will have been chosen as those that will grow well in these soils and, in the long term, will thrive with traditional woodland management.

HOW WILL THE SITE BE MAINTAINED?

Primrose Wood will be managed as a woodland burial ground and nature reserve in perpetuity. Before burial and ashes plots are taken up, the 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.