The Beauty and Sustainability of Burial Shrouds

As more families choose to tread lightly on the earth while saying goodbye, burial shrouds are emerging as a beautiful, meaningful alternative to traditional coffins. Simple, biodegradable, and deeply personal, shrouds reflect a growing preference for natural burial and eco-friendly funeral options.

What is a Burial Shroud?

A burial shroud is a fabric wrap that gently encloses the body for burial. Used across cultures and religions for centuries, shrouds symbolise dignity, humility, and respect. Today, they are typically made from natural biodegradable materials such as cotton, linen, or wool, returning to the earth without leaving a trace.

The Benefits of Using Shrouds

1. Environmentally Friendly Farewell
Unlike coffins made from hardwoods, metals, or synthetic linings, shrouds are entirely biodegradable. Their minimal material use means a smaller carbon footprint and less impact on the natural landscape, making them an ideal choice for woodland and meadow burials.

2. Simplicity and Grace
Shrouds allow the focus to rest on the person, the place, and the moment rather than ornate designs. Families often find comfort in this gentle simplicity, which mirrors the natural cycle of life and return to the earth.
One of the most beautiful examples we’ve seen are the Bellacouche shrouds, handmade in Devon by Yuli Somme.

3. More Affordable Than Coffins
Shrouds are generally less expensive than traditional coffins, making them a cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly choice. For example, Natural Endings offer shrouds from £350. Some families even choose to make their own, though we recommend researching materials carefully and checking with your burial ground before doing so.

4. Honouring Cultural and Religious Traditions
In many cultures and faiths, shrouding is a deeply significant tradition. Choosing a shroud can help uphold these customs while also aligning with sustainable funeral values.

5. Personalisation
Shrouds can be as individual as the person they honour. Families might choose different fabrics, colours, or patterns that hold meaning, or add embroidered names, dates, or messages.
At our Bath natural burial ground, when our landowner died in 2023, her family and friends each created a felt or wool flower, which was stitched onto her Bellacouche shroud. It was a beautiful way for them to reflect on memories while contributing to a personal, handmade tribute.

How to Choose a Burial Shroud

When selecting a shroud, consider:

Material – Choose natural, biodegradable fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool. Ensure it’s strong enough to support the body and easy to handle.

Design – Look for secure closures such as ties or toggles, and consider shrouds with integrated carrying handles.

Personalisation – Decide whether to include embroidery, special fabrics, or meaningful motifs.

Ethical sourcing – Support local craftspeople who use eco-friendly and fair-trade practices.

The Burial Process with a Shroud

Shroud burials are more hands-on and often more personal. While each funeral may be slightly different, the general process is:

Preparation – The body is washed, dressed, and wrapped in the shroud, often by family members with support from a funeral director if needed.

Transport – The body can be taken to the burial ground in any suitable vehicle, from a hearse to an estate car or van. At the burial ground, it may be carried by hand or placed on a bier.

Burial – At the graveside, the shroud is gently lowered into the grave, allowing a natural return to the soil. Most natural burial grounds have specific guidelines to ensure shrouds meet environmental requirements.

A Gentle, Natural Choice

Opting for a burial shroud instead of a coffin embraces sustainability, simplicity, and personal connection. It can reduce environmental impact, honour cultural traditions, and create a heartfelt farewell that feels true to the person’s values.

For families who want to protect the natural world while remembering someone they love, a burial shroud can be the perfect way to say goodbye, beautifully, naturally, and with deep respect for the earth.