How to set up a Natural Burial Ground

Contact the NDC

The NDC is approached for advice about this several times every week. We welcome enquiries as we wish to see the network of sites continue to expand both across the UK and beyond. We know through experience the benefits this choice of send off brings to not only families but to wildlife, communities and if run in an informed, caring manner and in an appropriate situation, to the benefit of the landowner too. The more sites that exist the quicker this choice of funeral will be seen as the norm. Most existing operators see this expansion as a good thing (unless you plan to open one on their doorstep, which as part of your business plan would be, most likely, stupid!)

We also wish to encourage provisional managers to join the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, this currently costs £75 for the year and entitles you to tap into an unequalled source of information and tips about setting up and operating your own site. You will also be kept in the loop regarding the latest news and guidance either generated by ourselves or outside organisations such as the Ministry of Justice.

Establish your aims

We would like to see burial grounds set up with the aim of improved choice for the local community, enabling more environmentally friendly funerals to take place, and the establishment of schemes that preserve and enhance biodiversity, which have a long-term sustainable future.

This provision should not be done and need not be done as part of the perceived funeral industry and can be established very successfully whilst remaining competitively priced against other cemetery provision and cremation costs.

Navigate hoops and hurdles

There are many hoops and hurdles to navigate when obtaining planning permission to change the use of land to a burial ground.

Areas that you need to consider in the initial phases are the risks to ground water, sustainable transport policy, archaeological disturbance and visual splays. We have many other tips that can help you through the numerous other hurdles and hoops that you will encounter. Once you achieve planning we have a wealth of suggestions that will help you avoid costly unnecessary mistakes and industry gimmicks, conflicts with families and bad press. We can give you simple recommended procedures, all gained through the accumulation of practical experience and hindsight.

There is also the Arboriculture officer who will have something to say along with any relevant AONB or landscape conservation personnel. All these agencies have to be happy with any proposal before you even start to consider the feelings and fears of local residents.

Start by reading the Natural Death Handbook

The best advice is to start by reading the relevant section of the Natural Death Handbook then ring up our office and talk through the next stage, e.g. checking out the environment agencies ‘no go areas' in your area. This will give you an idea whether or not a potential burial ground is a non-starter.

The manager of the NDC is an experienced burial site owner/operator and has won the best natural burial ground in UK award. With her know how and that of the trustees who all work within funeral related industries and the feedback we receive from the public using the existing member’s sites, we can help you avoid costly mistakes and enable you to hit the ground running.

This all sounds very complicated and tough, it can be. Some burial grounds however have no problems and seem to sail through this phase. Much depends on your site and your local planners!

Make a difference and reap rewards

Having said all this, if you do open a burial ground there is nothing more rewarding than helping families at a most awful time - knowing that you have made a real difference and have also helped the planet and local flora and fauna too.

It is a great thing to do and if you do it right for the right reasons and in the right way it will be a tremendous success. Very hard work though and a long-term commitment!

Think carefully about the future

On a more serious note, you will have to think carefully about how the burial ground will be managed and maintained in the future and what plans are in place to protect it - something families are usually very concerned about.

We look forward to hearing from you, what you are contemplating can be the most rewarding and positive business to be involved in.