Why people choose woodland burials as Britain’s newest site opens

Research shows why people choose woodland burials as Britain's newest site opens. Environmental worries, giving something back to nature and reducing the burden on families are factors behind why people choose natural burials, according to a new study by Durham University. The research suggests that Britain is leading the way globally in natural - or woodland - burials where people are typically buried in a woodland setting, field or meadow in wicker, cardboard, or other ecologically appropriate coffins. More than 260 natural burial sites now operate across the country since the first one opened in Carlisle almost 20 years ago. The Durham study was led by Professor Douglas Davies, Director of Durham University's Centre for Death and Life Studies, with Hannah Rumble, a Research Associate at Durham, based at the University of Bath. They found a number of reasons why people choose natural burials including: Environmental concerns about other forms of funeral such as cremation; Reconnecting with nature and "returning to the earth" in a peaceful woodland setting; Reducing the burden on families to tend more traditional graves; The cost of traditional funerals. The findings have been published as a book , Natural Burial: Traditional-Secular Spiritualities and Funeral Innovation by Professor Davies and Rumble.