At Respect Funeral Services, we’re dedicated to providing farewells that honour your loved one’s memory while nurturing the natural world.
A natural burial meadow offers a serene, eco-friendly way to say goodbye, blending simplicity, dignity, and a deep connection to nature.
In this post, we’ll explore why choosing a natural burial meadow with us is a meaningful, thoughtful choice for you and your loved ones.
What Is a Natural Burial Meadow?
A natural burial meadow is a tranquil green space, often nestled in beautiful countryside, designed to support local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Unlike traditional cemeteries with manicured lawns and stone headstones, our meadows at Respect Funeral Services are alive with wildflowers, native trees, and thriving wildlife.
We use biodegradable coffins or pure cotton shrouds and avoid chemical embalming to ensure a gentle return to the earth.
You can choose a meadow burial as part of our woodland green burial service, which includes a full ceremony in stunning natural settings, or opt for a natural direct burial for a simpler farewell.
We also offer pet burials, allowing your beloved companions to rest in the same natural surroundings, with options like our unique Togetherness sections where you and your pet can be reunited.
The Benefits of Choosing a Natural Burial Meadow
1. Supporting Biodiversity and Ecosystems
You cherish nature, and so do we.
A natural burial meadow promotes ecological health by using biodegradable materials like willow, bamboo, or cardboard coffins.
We avoid chemicals, allowing the body to decompose naturally and enrich the soil.
Our meadows nurture wildflowers, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife, creating a vibrant, living legacy that supports the local ecosystem.
2. A Serene, Personal Farewell
Picture a farewell surrounded by rolling hills, birdsong, and blooming wildflowers.
Our woodland green burials provide a peaceful setting for a fully personalised ceremony.
Whether you prefer a humanist, religious, or unique service, we tailor every detail to your wishes.
For a simpler option, our natural direct burials offer a dignified farewell without a formal ceremony, giving you flexibility to plan a memorial later.
3. Affordable and Meaningful
We believe a heartfelt farewell should be accessible.
Natural burials are often more cost-effective than traditional options, with plot prices varying by location but generally lower than conventional cemetery fees.
At Respect, we ensure transparency in costs, whether you choose a natural direct burial, greener direct cremation, or a woodland green burial.
You can personalise the experience without extra expense, creating a tribute that reflects your loved one’s values.
4. A Lasting Connection to Nature
Instead of a traditional headstone, you can mark your loved one’s resting place with a native tree or wildflower seeds, fostering a living memorial that grows over time.
Our meadows blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a tranquil space for you to visit and reflect.
For pet burials, you can choose a spot where your companion’s memory thrives amidst nature’s beauty.
Why Choose Respect Funeral Services for Your Natural Burial?
At Respect Funeral Services, we’re committed to making your farewell meaningful and eco-friendly. Here’s why you can trust us:
- Compassionate Expertise: With over 20 years in the funeral industry, our family-run team supports you with care, ensuring every detail reflects your wishes.
- Flexible Options: Choose a greener direct cremation, natural direct burial, or a woodland green burial with a ceremony. For pet burials, we offer dedicated plots or Togetherness sections for you and your pet.
- Eco-Friendly Commitment: Our meadows are managed to protect wildlife and promote biodiversity, ensuring a positive impact on the natural world.
- Personalised Care: We work with you to create a farewell that’s as unique as your loved one, from selecting a meadow plot to planting a memorial tree.
How to Plan a Natural Burial Meadow with Respect
Planning a natural burial meadow with us is simple and stress-free. Here’s how you can begin:
- Get in Touch: Contact our compassionate team by phone, online, or arrange a visit to one of our woodland burial parks to discuss your options.
- Choose Your Service: Select a natural direct burial, greener direct cremation, or a woodland green burial with a ceremony. For pet burials, we’ll help you find the perfect plot.
- Personalise the Farewell: Work with us to choose a biodegradable coffin, plant a memorial tree, or scatter wildflower seeds, ensuring an eco-friendly tribute.
- Hold the Ceremony: For full-service burials, we’ll arrange a ceremony in our serene countryside meadow, with no time restrictions so you can say goodbye at your own pace.
Visit and Reflect: Our meadows are open during daylight hours, providing a peaceful place to return and honour your loved one’s memory.
Reach Out Today For Support With A Natural Burial
Ready to explore your options? Contact Respect Funeral Services at 01427 612992 or contact us directly at respectgb.co.uk/contact to learn how we can help you plan a dignified, eco-friendly farewell.
Q&A’s For A Natural Burial Meadow
Q1. Can I have a religious ceremony in a natural burial meadow / woodland burial ?
Yes, we welcome ceremonies of all faiths or none, ensuring your service aligns with your beliefs, whether humanist, religious, or bespoke.
Q2. What happens to the grave over time in a natural burial meadow?
The grave naturally integrates into the meadow, often marked by a tree or wildflowers. We can provide GPRS settings or What3words to locate the plot, making it easy for you to visit.
Q3. Are pet burials regulated at a natural burial meadow?
Yes, we comply with UK pet burial regulations, ensuring safe and lawful interments. Our team handles all legal requirements for a dignified resting place and the full registration of pet burials within the prevailing authorities.
Q4. How much does a natural burial cost?
Our natural direct burials and woodland green burials are designed to be affordable. Contact us directly here for a clear, tailored quote.
Q5. What makes a natural burial meadow different?
A natural burial meadow differs from traditional cemeteries by prioritising ecological harmony. Instead of formal headstones and manicured lawns, our meadows feature wildflowers, native trees, and eco-friendly shrouds and biodegradable coffins, fostering biodiversity. We avoid chemical embalming to ensure a natural return to the earth, creating a living, eco-friendly memorial rather than a conventional gravesite.
Book A Visitation At One Of Our Burial Parks
North Nottinghamshire & South Yorkshire Burial Park
Lincolnshire & North Lincolnshire Burial Park
Contact Respect Directly
After Care
If you need extra help, there are excellent resources available:
- NHS: The NHS offers advice on coping with bereavement, including mental health support. Visit their page on Dealing with Grief and Loss for practical tips and helpline details.
- Respect: the Respect Guide, What To Do When Someone Dies covers benefits like the Bereavement Support Payment.
- Cruse Bereavement Support: A UK charity dedicated to grief, Cruse provides free counselling and resources. Learn more at cruse.org.uk.
- Bereavement Advice: Documents needed for arranging a funeral
- GOV: See if you qualify for a Funeral Expense Payment from the government.
