Helping you make an informed choice

When arranging a funeral service many people look for environmentally friendly options. But if the information you require is not available how do you know you are making the right decision?

For example, many “traditional” coffins have gold, silver or bronze coloured plastic handles. It is believed that up to 3 million of these single use plastic handles are used each year. Alternative handles, such as rope or wood, are available, but they are not always listed within a coffin range.

However, alternatives are available for both traditional and more modern styles of coffin and casket. Accordingly we are asking for all in funeral service to ensure that this open “informed choice” is available to all when arranging a funeral service.

To play our part in helping everyone to make an informed choice we now offer a new complete range of environmentally friendly coffins, caskets, and shrouds. For all coffins and caskets our website and literature will provide details of materials used and where it was weaved/made/manufactured. We believe that this will allow a greater understanding of not only the coffins available, but also the environmental impact they may have.

Furthermore, as supporting the bereaved and fighting funeral poverty is key to our ethos, we do make sure that our coffins, caskets and shrouds are fairly priced as well as being as green as possible.

Our range includes Cardboard, Bamboo, Willow and Woollen, as well as the Earthcare Coffin made predominantly using recycled paper and bark timber from FSC forests. We can also offer additional coffins upon request and are happy to provide the green credentials for all.

Whilst we offer a comprehensive range we do appreciate that you may also have your own family funeral director that you may wish to use. Many funeral directors offer a comprehensive range of coffins and caskets and will be happy to help meet your requests. We allow all environmentally friendly coffins in our burial grounds.

We would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Our team are available on (0116) 222 0247 or [email protected]

A Meaningful Direct Cremation

Whilst Direct Cremation offers numerous advantages, such as cost and simplicity, it has been rightfully noted that an unattended cremation may not allow the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one. We share this concern and would never wish for anyone to have regrets. That’s why we always provide Direct Cremation services followed by a memorial service or celebration of life at our natural burial grounds.

A Direct Cremation can be arranged with The Natural Burial Company and we will then conduct an interment of the cremated remains at the natural burial ground on a day and time convenient to you. This interment can be conducted with tributes, music, and readings. In fact everything that you would want to ensure a truly personalised goodbye. This can also include having a picnic at the natural burial ground if you wish. Many find this a relaxed and rewarding way to share stories and memories with family and friends. Furthermore, we have no time constraints at our natural burial grounds, so you don’t have to worry about being moved on to accommodate another service.

Furthermore, to ensure a natural legacy all of our Direct Cremation services include an interment at the natural burial ground, with three trees planted for each service conducted – one on the grave and two on another area of a natural burial ground.

We can provide shelters, chairs, quality blue-tooth speakers and refreshments. Our team prepare everything and remain present at all times, but you can also conduct everything, including the interment of your loved one and the planting of the tree on the plot, yourselves.

The Natural Burial Company team care deeply for the bereaved and the environment, and we will always do what we can to ensure a meaningful, personal goodbye. Further details are available here Direct Cremation – Direct Natural Funerals (funeralsdirect.co.uk) alternatively, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or on (0116) 222 0247.

Survey shows public demand for greener funerals

A survey, conducted by The Natural Burial Company, has provided clear evidence of public demand for greener funerals, and for more information to be available regarding environmentally friendly funeral options.

Many people are looking to be more environmentally friendly in their lives. However, there has previously been little research regarding demand for green and environmentally friendly funerals. Therefore, The Natural Burial Company conducted a public survey between July and September, the results of which are clear.

The conclusions of the survey are simple. Many want a greater choice of greener options and transparency in information available. More information, and availability of green funeral options is essential. Allowing the bereaved an “Informed Choice” is key.

The survey asked 20 questions, with the opportunity to provide additional information regarding personal attitudes and opinions on green funerals.

Key findings from the survey are as follows.

73% of respondents stated that they would prefer to use the services of a funeral company that worked to strong environmental standards. A further 25% stated that they probably would.

98% of respondents believed that funeral service providers should have information readily available regarding green products and services. 67% thought this should be mandatory.

When asked “what would stop you from arranging an environmentally friendly funeral” 67% stated availability of services, 41% cost and 22% lack of knowledge/awareness.

Knowledge of the cost of greener funerals also clearly illustrates confusion amongst the public. 44% believed a green funeral to be more expensive and 25% less expensive than a traditional funeral service.

Regarding planning of their own funeral service, 56% have made no specific arrangements but stated that they want their funeral to be green.

When asked specific questions, 84% stated that they would select a coffin with “green” handles such as wood or rope, rather than the industry standard coloured plastic options. A further 5% answered that they would, dependent on cost.

This attitude also encompasses other related services. 83% said that they did not want floral tributes wrapped in plastic, and 75% would prefer not to have tributes in plastic trays or using florist foam/oasis.

Christopher Doggett, Managing Director of The Natural Burial Company said “It is clear that many wish for greener funerals, and want a greater understanding of what is available to them in time of need. Having a range of greener services and ensuring transparency regarding available options is so important”.

The Natural Burial Company will be conducting a similar survey in the summer of 2024 to gauge changes in demand and awareness.

For further information, including the full survey results, please contact Christopher at [email protected]

With thanks to Lili, The Countryside Celebrant, and Rachel for the photograph.

Direct Cremations from The Natural Burial Company

On occasions we are asked “why does The Natural Burial Company conduct Direct Cremations?” The answer to us is simple, we wish to provide services in the most environmentally friendly way to meet the needs of the bereaved.

We understand that for many reasons people will choose to be cremated, accordingly we would be failing in our duty of care if we did not support this. Therefore, we are proud to provide direct cremation services followed by an environmentally friendly interment of cremated remains.

For each direct cremation we conduct we plant three trees, one on the grave and a further two at one of our natural burial grounds. The trees planted are typically around 2 metres in height (6 to 7 foot, although this will vary by variety), so they are immediately making a difference to the environment.

This not only ensures support for the environment, it also allows you the peace of mind of knowing that there is a beautiful natural legacy for future generations. You may also visit the burial ground whenever you wish, remembering your loved one whilst being at one with a beautiful, natural environment.

The advantages of direct cremation are well known, simple, cost-effective, and allowing a celebration or service to be conducted with the ashes at a later date (for example in the Spring or Summer, when everyone in the family is available, to arrange a picnic at the interment). The Direct Cremation with Natural Interment of Cremated Remains allows this cremation service, whilst ensuring that our dedicated team are supporting you at every step.

For more information regarding services provided by The Natural Burial Company please ring (0116) 222 0247 or email [email protected]

Direct Cremation in Winter, Funeral or Celebration Service in the Spring

Whilst there is clearly no good time to say goodbye to a loved one, one of the advantages of Direct Cremation with Natural Interment of Cremated Remains is that you can wait until more agreeable weather before you meet with family and friends to say goodbye.

A Direct Cremation can be conducted at the time of need during the winter months. Our team will then collect and care for the cremated remains (ashes) until you are ready. A funeral service, celebration of life, or remembrance service can then be conducted in the spring, summer, or on the anniversary of an important day.

This allows many advantages. Time to plan and ensure that everyone is available, to make sure that everything is just right, and if you wish to add anything special to the day. The natural interment of cremated remains can include music and a picnic if you wish. Many people are finding the experience of saying goodbye to a loved one, then planting a tree in their memory, and having a picnic to remember and share stories of good times at the natural burial ground a great comfort.

Our team can provide shelters and chairs, picnic blankets, a quality blue-tooth speaker and tables for food and drink. We will also prepare the plot for you and be available throughout your time at the burial ground to help in any way we can.

For further information you are welcome to contact our team on (0116) 222 0247 or by email [email protected]

The Good Funeral Awards 2023

The Natural Burial Company are proud to announce that we have once again been nominated in the highly prestigious Good Funeral Awards.

This year we have to date been nominated in three categories – Best Burial Ground, Best Innovative Service (for our Direct Natural Burials), and Best Bereavement Awareness Support (for Wrottesley Park Environment Day). The nominations remain open until 31st July so we may also receive further nominations. This is a great honour for The Natural Burial Company as we care deeply for providing the best possible service to the bereaved and the environment.

We are extremely pleased that our new Direct Funeral Services, Direct Natural Burial and Direct Cremation with Natural Burial of Cremated Remains, have had such a positive impact. We offer these services to help provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly services whilst also ensuring the same high level of care and support from our team.

We have been successful in previous years, winning Best Bereavement Awareness Day in 2019 and Burial Ground of the Year in 2021. We have also been honoured to have been nominated for awards in 2018 and 2022.

The Good Funeral Awards are presented annually in conjunction with the National Association of Green Funeral Directors, and nominations are received from those involved in funeral service and the general public. Accordingly, anyone can nominate those they believe have provided exceptional service in a number of categories covering all aspects of funeral service. This years event is being held on Saturday 23rd September at the National Conference Centre, Solihull, and further details of the event and how to nominate can be found here Home (agfdgoodfuneralawards.co.uk)

Our Burial Grounds – Prestwold

Serving Loughborough, Charnwood, and all of the East Midlands. The Natural Burial Company provide Direct Cremations with natural burial of cremated remains, Direct Burial and full personalised funeral services at Prestwold Natural Burial Ground.

Situated in a quiet rural location, Prestwold was one of the very first natural burial grounds in the Midlands, opening in 1999. As such, many areas are now beautiful woodland as the trees planted in remembrance over the years have matured. This ensures a wonderful natural habitat for many forms of wildlife. To further support biodiversity other areas are left to nature, ensuring many benefits to the environment.

Recently a beautiful new area has been opened. The Orchards provides wonderful views of the countryside in a tranquil setting. Full interments and burials of Cremated Remains can be conducted here, with shelters and chairs available for a complete funeral service or celebration of life to be conducted. Refreshments and a Bluetooth speaker can also be provided free of charge.

Plots can be chosen and paid for in advance and our team are available to meet at the natural burial ground to answer your questions and explain the many options available.

For further information, or to arrange an appointment to meet, please telephone (0116) 222 0247 or email [email protected] our team would welcome the opportunity to help in any way that they can.

Services for All

We not only provide direct cremation and burial services, The Natural Burial Company also help support full funeral services. Our Family Led Services are arranged to ensure complete care and personalisation whilst also ensuring costs are kept to a minimum.

Our experienced team are able to provide a full range of services for those who may not wish to use a traditional funeral director. We offer an extensive range of coffins, caskets and shrouds, made from materials such as cardboard, bamboo and willow. Family and friends can fully support and truly personalise the service by carrying and lowering the coffin.

The service itself can be as traditional or personal as you wish. Our team will help support and guide you throughout all of the arrangements and make suggestions to ensure your final goodbye is exactly as you want it to be. Services can include music (live or via bluetooth speakers), songs, poems, readings, or whatever you believe is appropriate. A toast can be made at the graveside and picnics can be arranged. We do not have time constraints on our services and we only hold one a day at each burial ground so there is no requirement to leave to make way for another service.

All of our services are conducted ensuring our key ethos of care for the bereaved, care for the environment, and fighting funeral poverty. So you know we will be doing our best for you whilst caring for nature and supporting biodiversity.

Our prices for a complete Family Led Service, including all aspects of the funeral arrangements, service, grave and coffin start from £2,700 at our Prestwold (Loughborough) and Scraptoft (Leicester) Natural Burial Grounds, and £2,870 at Wrottesley Park (Wolverhampton) Natural Burial Ground. For further details please contact us on (0116) 222 0247 or by email [email protected]

Tree Planting in Memory

A key aspect of our direct cremation service is to plant three trees for each cremation conducted. One tree is planted on the grave and two others in another location. This will be at one of our burial grounds, or on land close by.

We believe that it is vital to care for the environment as best we can, whilst also providing a beautiful legacy for your loved one. Safe in the knowledge that the trees will grow, support nature and encourage biodiversity.

We have now commenced tree planting for this year. Planting trees at The Orchards, our new natural burial ground at Prestwold, near Loughborough. The initial trees planted are cherries and have been especially chosen to ensure a beautiful display of spring blossom in future years.

Service and Value

Direct cremation continues to attract media attention. Up to 18% of funerals in the UK are now direct services and there is every possibility that this style of funeral will continue to grow.

The BBC today provide interesting reading regarding this option Cost of living: ‘I don’t want a funeral, it’s a waste of money’ – BBC News and argue the case both for direct services, and for the traditional funeral service. We agree that everyone should have a choice and no one size fits all. However, what we do believe is important, is ensuring that the quality of care and service is always the same. The best it can be. That’s why the same team who provide our Family Led Services also arrange and care for our Direct Cremation and Burial services.

Our team are experienced and dedicated to supporting the bereaved and the environment. Our arrangers, Christopher and Nina, have 39 and 23 years funeral service experience, and are passionate about making a difference.

Price-wise, our Direct Cremation Service with Natural Burial of Cremated Remains is available from £1,750 and our Direct Natural Burial Service £1,740. For those who prefer a more traditional funeral service, our charges for a complete service (including plot, digging, all arrangements, a cardboard coffin, removal, care, transport, and our team on the day of the service) are available from £2,700. This is a quite some saving when considering the average funeral cost of £4,056.

Finally, we do understand that natural funeral services are not for everyone, and that after a direct cremation some families may wish to to have the ashes returned rather than being buried in a natural burial ground. If this is you, please ensure that you are satisfied with the company you are using and the service they provide. There are many excellent funeral directors who provide caring, quality service for a sensible price. Please don’t be afraid to ask questions, or get a friend to do this for you. The best funeral directors will always be open and answer any questions that you may have.