Green Lane Burial Field
Burials
Natural burial — the way you want it to be.
01 — Your ceremony
A personal farewell
We provide a place for your body to be buried. What type of ceremony you choose is entirely up to you.
Religious, humanist and non-religious ceremonies are all welcome. The entire proceedings can be held here, led by a family member, friend, humanist, civil celebrant or vicar. You may also choose to hold a service elsewhere before or after the burial.
02 — Arrangements
Your burial, your choices
-
Graves
Single or double graves are available, with spaces on Hillside or Severn Side, the flatter part of the field. A burial plot is chosen at the time it is needed.
We normally arrange the digging and filling of the grave. Family and friends may help to fill the grave by prior arrangement and under our supervision.
-
Coffins & shrouds
Coffins and shrouds must be completely biodegradable, with no plastic or metal parts. Suitable choices include willow, bamboo, cardboard and pandanus coffins, or woollen and felt shrouds.
-
Funeral directors
You may use whichever funeral director you prefer. Families can also organise a burial themselves, and we will do all we can to help with the practical arrangements.
-
Family involvement
Natural burial allows greater choice and participation for family and friends. Each ceremony can be as individual as the person being buried, with those closest to them involved in the way that feels right.
The burial field
A meadow returning to nature
The natural burial area is nearly one acre within an eleven-acre field. It is managed as a hay meadow, with the grass cut in July after the wildflowers have seeded. This means the grass can be long during spring and summer.
Graves are intended to return naturally to the meadow, helping the field remain a peaceful part of the surrounding landscape.
03 — At the graveside
Flowers
Natural flowers are welcome. Tied arrangements are best, with no plastic, florist wire or floral foam. Flowers placed at the burial are removed after two weeks.
Spring bulbs such as snowdrops and daffodils, or native meadow flowers such as fritillaries and cowslips, may only be planted with permission and at the appropriate time of year.
Memorials
As this is a natural burial field, graves return to nature and conventional headstones are not used. Nothing should be placed on or around a grave apart from natural flowers.
Marker stones
Each grave is mapped and a small natural marker stone carrying its burial number is placed at the head of the grave. The stone is discreet, may not always be visible and will cover over naturally in time.
Visiting
The field remains working farmland and is managed for nature. Visitors should dress for the weather and expect natural ground conditions, including long grass at certain times of year.
04 — Cremated remains
Burial of ashes
Cremated remains may be buried in the designated ashes area, either loose or in fully biodegradable material.
Ashes plots are not individually marked, preserving the natural appearance of the field.
Every grave is carefully mapped and recorded.
Details of each burial are entered in the Register of Burials, which is available for inspection by appointment.
The numbered natural marker at each grave corresponds with its entry in the register, ensuring an accurate permanent record while allowing the meadow to retain its natural character.
Contact
Green Lane Burial Field
- Telephone
- 01686 639638