What Are Natural Burials?

Natural burials embrace a back-to-nature philosophy by eliminating embalming fluids, metal coffins, concrete vaults and more. Instead, the body is placed directly into the earth, wrapped in an organic shroud or enclosed in a biodegradable coffin made of untreated pine, wicker or willow. Graves are dug to approximately 1.2 metres, promoting faster decomposition and microbial activity.

Natural burial areas follow specific principles that require bodies to be buried using only natural and organic materials. Individual graves do not have headstones or other markers. Instead, a communal memorial located at the entrance to the natural burial area may display inscriptions including the first name, surname, date of birth and date of death. Each grave’s location may also be recorded through a land survey and marked using RFID technology.

Hills Family Funerals: Supporting Green Burial Choices

Planning a funeral is never easy, especially when trying to honour a loved one’s wishes while navigating both emotional and practical challenges. At Hills Family Funerals, we are committed to providing compassionate, thoughtful guidance to support families from the very beginning.

For those seeking an environmentally conscious farewell, we proudly offer a range of eco-friendly funeral services tailored to reflect natural values and sustainable choices. Our natural burial options include biodegradable and sustainably sourced coffin selections, and we work closely with cemeteries to facilitate burials that return gently to the earth, without chemical embalming or concrete vaults.

From initial planning through to the final farewell, our dedicated team is here to provide caring, comprehensive support. Hills Family Funerals is here to help you create a meaningful, respectful tribute that honours both your loved one and the environment.

Why Choose a Natural Burial?

  • Sustainability at the Heart: Natural burials avoid harmful chemicals and materials, leaving a lighter footprint on the environment.

  • Preserving the Natural Landscape: Natural burial areas encourage native flora and fauna to flourish. Individual grave markers may be limited or replaced with communal memorials, depending on the cemetery.

  • A Cost-Aware Farewell: Without the need for ornate coffins or vaults, natural burials can be more affordable than traditional burial options.

  • Simple and Meaningful: Many families find natural burials to be a heartfelt, intimate way to celebrate life, rooted in nature and free from unnecessary excess.

Why Are There Strict Rules Around Natural Burials in New South Wales?

Natural burials provide a straightforward and environmentally friendly way to lay a loved one to rest. While the process is simple, there are important guidelines to follow, such as burial depth, location and the materials used, to ensure everything is carried out properly and respectfully. These guidelines help maintain the integrity and purpose of a natural burial.

  • Your loved one may need to be dressed in fully biodegradable clothing, such as 100% undyed cotton.

  • All items placed with your loved one should be biodegradable. This means no plastic, metal, rubber, ceramic or similar items should be placed in the grave.

  • The coffin or shroud should be made from biodegradable material such as wicker, willow or an equivalent.

  • Embalming or other mortuary preparation may be restricted depending on the requirements of the natural burial cemetery.

The guidelines surrounding natural burials are not restrictions. They are designed to protect the integrity, safety and environmental purpose of the burial area. By choosing a natural burial and working with our experienced funeral directors at Hills Family Funerals, you can be assured that your farewell honours both your loved one and the environment.

Let nature be the resting place, and let Hills Family Funerals guide the way.