Are you seeking an alternative to conventional cemeteries or crematorium memorial gardens? Somewhere that is in harmony with the natural world?

Bath Natural Burial Ground is a place where timeless tranquillity and environmental sustainability intertwine. A beautiful meadow, typical of the southern end of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with rolling agricultural land, flower-rich limestone grassland, deep valleys and woodland.

What is a natural burial?

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.

Here are some key characteristics of a natural burial:

Biodegradable materials: 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.

  • No embalming: Embalming, a toxic chemical preservation process, is not used in natural burials. This helps prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the soil.
  • No plastic: 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.
  • Digital markers: 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.
  • Protecting the landscape: Many natural burial grounds are established in protected, scenic areas, contributing to preserving these natural landscapes.
  • Return to the earth: Natural burials support the ecosystem by allowing the body to decompose naturally, enriching the soil with nutrients, and benefiting local flora and fauna.
Ecological coffin made from reclaimed wooden pallets.Biodegradable acorn urn

Types of burial

We provide two options for burials at Bath natural burial ground: 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.

Visit us or request more information

We would love you to come and explore the serene beauty of Bath Natural 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 01225 683128.

Email us

Where is Bath natural burial ground?

The burial ground is located a few miles from Midford, along the B3110.

We recommend that before you purchase a burial or interment plot from us, you go to visit the burial ground, to make sure it is the right place for you and your family.

You can visit the burial ground without making an appointment. The pedestrian access gate is always unlocked. Or if you would like a guided tour around the ground, please get in touch with Sally, the 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 Bath natural 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

Janet Cross set up the burial ground to know that the farm and land would have a sustainable future. Read more about the farm and the custodians who care for it.

Memorials

Unlike a conventional cemetery, there will be no rows of memorial stones, vases of flowers or mementos. Instead, you can dedicate a tree or a slate memorial plaque in memory of someone.

How can we help?