Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground is a place where timeless tranquillity and environmental sustainability intertwine.
The woodland at Cothiemuir Hill is a peaceful, natural place. Somewhere special to spend time listening to the birdsong in the surrounding woodland, admiring the Neolithic stones, and taking in the view towards Bennachie. A place of escape, away from it all.
Natural burial grounds prioritise environmental sustainability. The absence of traditional headstones and the use of biodegradable coffins contribute to a more eco-friendly final resting place.
Set in a picturesque location in Aberdeenshire, the burial ground provides a tranquil and beautiful backdrop, creating a serene environment for reflection and remembrance.
Rather than traditional headstones, Dorset Downs offers alternative memorial options such as planting a tree or engraving a stone, allowing for a lasting tribute.
Whether you're arranging a funeral now or planning for the future, we are happy to help you with any enquiries.
A natural burial, also called a green burial, is an environmentally friendly and eco-conscious approach to laying a loved one to rest. Unlike conventional burials, which often involve embalming, metal or MDF caskets, imported granite headstones and concrete vaults, natural burials are focused on returning the body to the earth in a way that minimises environmental impact.
The deceased is typically placed in a biodegradable casket, shroud, or container made from natural materials like wood, wicker, or cloth. These materials break down naturally over time.
Embalming, a toxic chemical preservation process, is not used in natural burials. This helps prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the soil.
The coffin must be lined with natural materials, rather than a plastic sheet. Flowers should be hand-tied with raffia or natural materials, not wrapped in plastic or set in a foam oasis and a plastic tray.
Unlike cemeteries, the graves are not marked. Instead, we use a digital map and survey points to measure each grave. Families are given the longitude and latitude, as well as a what3words address for the location of their loved one’s grave.
Many natural burial grounds are established in protected, scenic areas, contributing to preserving these natural landscapes. This is certainly the case with Cothiemuir Hill, which is of historic importance due to the neolithic stone circle within the woodland.
Natural burials support the ecosystem by allowing the body to decompose naturally, enriching the soil with nutrients, and benefiting local flora and fauna.
We provide two options for burials at Cothiemuir Hill: one for whole-body natural burials and the other for ashes. You can purchase plots next to each other, bury multiple sets of ashes together, or inter ashes with someone who is having a full burial.
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.
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.
Whether you're arranging a funeral now or planning for the future, we have put together information packs for you to download.
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...
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.
A historic woodland with a gothic folly located in the Scottish Borders.
A beautiful sweeping meadow surrounded by woodland in the Cairngorms National Park.
Part of the historic Forbes estate in near Alford, with views across to Bennachie.