Looking for a peaceful alternative to a traditional cemetery or crematorium in Aberdeenshire?

Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground offers a natural and environmentally conscious way to say farewell, surrounded by birdsong, ancient stones, and sweeping views of Bennachie.

This special place invites quiet reflection and a deep connection to nature. Set in a secluded woodland, Cothiemuir Hill is a sanctuary where life and landscape are gently honoured together.

Click here to request more information.

Why choose Cothiemuir Hill natural burial ground?

Cothiemuir Hill neolithic stone circle - August 2023

A Greener Choice

Cothiemuir Hill supports sustainable funerals by avoiding embalming, plastics, and conventional headstones. We use only biodegradable coffins, shrouds, and tributes, minimising environmental impact and helping return the body gently to the earth.

Cothiemuir Hill woodland burial ground looking toward Bennachie in August 2023

A Truly Peaceful Setting

The burial ground lies near the Neolithic stone circle at Cothiemuir Hill, with far-reaching views toward Bennachie. It’s a quiet, beautiful place for reflection and remembrance, an escape from the bustle of everyday life.

Meaningful Memorials

Instead of headstones, families may choose a simple engraved stone or plant a native tree as a lasting tribute. These natural markers allow the landscape to remain wild, respectful, and in balance.

Contact us for more information

Whether you're arranging a funeral now or planning ahead for the future, we're here to support you. Fill in the form and one of our team will be in touch. There’s no pressure, just kind, straightforward guidance.

What is a natural burial?

A natural burial, also known as a green burial, is a gentle and environmentally conscious way to return to the earth. It avoids the use of embalming, concrete vaults, metal coffins or imported stone. Instead, everything used, from coffins to flowers, is biodegradable, supporting the natural cycle of life.

Key features of natural burial at Cothiemuir Hill:

No embalming or toxic chemicals

Biodegradable coffins, shrouds or caskets

No plastic linings, wrappings or foam

Hand-tied flowers with natural materials

Digital grave location mapping via What3Words

A landscape preserved, not transformed

Ecological coffin made from reclaimed wooden pallets.Biodegradable acorn urn

Types of burial

We offer two natural burial options at Cothiemuir Hill:

  • Full body burials using biodegradable coffins or shrouds

  • Ashes burials, with the option to bury multiple sets or alongside a full burial

You may choose plots side by side for loved ones, allowing you to rest together in a shared, natural space.

How It Works

Choose Your Area

Select an area in the woodland that feels right to you and your family.

Personal Touch

Create a farewell that reflects your wishes, from the ceremony to the memorial.

Flexible Payment Options

Pay in full or choose an instalment plan over 10 or 20 months. View our prices here.

Visit us or request more information

We would love you to come and explore the serene beauty of Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground and discover a gentler natural alternative. You can visit the burial ground any time if you would like to explore alone or contact us to arrange a visit or to learn more about natural burial. Either email us or call us on 01975 562524.

Email us

Where is Cothiemuir Hill woodland burial ground?

We recommend using What3Words to find the burial ground entrance, as the postcode is not accurate. Click on this link to go to the W3W address and you can use this to navigate to the burial ground.

Before you make the decision to purchase a burial or interment plot, we recommend you go to visit the burial ground, to make sure it is the right place for you and your family.

The site is open all year round during daylight hours so please feel free to visit without making an appointment. If you would like a guided tour around the ground, please get in touch with Malcolm Forbes, the landowner and custodian, who will be happy to meet you there.

Download an information pack

Whether you're arranging a funeral now or planning for the future, we have put together information packs for you to download.

Want to find out more?

If you'd like to find out more about the Cothiemuir Hill woodland burial ground, we have plenty more information for you to continue reading...

Prices

A full price list is available on our forms and prices page We offer full burial and ashes interments. All of our application forms are available online or via pdf download.

About

The burial ground was set up as a result of a discussion between Lady Forbes and one of the estate’s fishing tenants who was interested in locating a site for a resting place in a quiet rural setting preferably near a river. Read more about the farm and the custodians who care for it.

Arrangements

Unhurried, tranquil, and private, the burial ground offers a gentle alternative to a traditional cemetery or crematorium. There is space and time to create your own bespoke ceremony within the ethos of the natural burial ground.

How can we help?