Natural Burial

More and more people in the Netherlands choose to be buried in nature at so-called natural burial grounds. Wikkelgoed's mission is to make more people aware of alternative ways of burial and cremation. We would therefore like to tell you what natural burial is.

What is a natural burial ground?

A natural burial ground is a natural area where people are allowed to be buried. The great thing is that these areas, in addition to being a beautiful location, are also protected by law. When a piece of land is reserved for natural burial, eternal burial rights are obtained.  As long as this burial right lasts, the nature in this area may not be affected. In this way, a natural resting place directly contributes to the preservation of nature.

Natural burial ground as a resting place

Another nice aspect of natural burial grounds is that you can walk across the grounds to find a nice place for yourself or a loved one. Often in regular cemeteries, the burial place is assigned in a field full of burial places. On a natural burial ground, the graves are completely absorbed in nature, and are further apart. This makes the cemetery feel more like a park or forest area where you can walk around pleasantly. We would like to give you an idea of ​​what such an area looks like with this video of Natural Burial Ground Hillig Meer :

A Green Funeral

There is increasing interest in organizing a funeral with sustainable and/or organic materials. Such a conscious funeral is also called a Green Funeral. A natural burial ground is the perfect location for such a Green Funeral. A farewell in the middle of nature, organized in an environmentally conscious way. When a farewell is held at these cemeteries, the clothing, coffin, urn or basket used must of course be biodegradable. The reason for this is that the nature reserve remains protected in this way and can continue to grow naturally, without harmful substances in the way. We are pleased with the growing interest in these 'green' Green Funerals, and do everything we can to make organizing them possible. Our shrouds and Carriers are produced as organically and sustainably as possible. Our products are made of organic cotton, organic molton, sustainable hemp and sustainably grown willow branches, and more. 

Gravestones

In order to give nature its full due, no gravestones are placed as is the case in a regular cemetery. Usually, beautiful, subtle alternatives are offered. The most common options are a wooden disk with an inscription and large boulders. For example, Nature Burial Ground Hillig Meer has wooden disks made with an inscription. Sometimes it is also possible to plant a small bush, as a beautiful symbol for new life.

How many natural burial grounds are there?

At the moment, there are approximately 20 natural burial grounds in the Netherlands, some larger than others. Together with Natuurmonumenten, the burial grounds develop nature in the Netherlands, to preserve it for future generations. When natural areas become a burial ground, the natural areas may no longer be harmed. This means that a natural grave plays a direct role in large-scale nature conservation. Curious about the different burial grounds and costs? Read more about Costs Natural Burial Ground.

More information about Natural Burial Grounds

As an advocate of alternative ways of burial, we would like to inform you about these natural burial grounds. We have made a convenient overview of the natural burial grounds in the Netherlands and an overview of the general regulations.