For those who live with the earth in mind, becoming part of nature after death is a logical next step. A natural burial site guarantees eternal rest in a nature reserve, where the body is reabsorbed into the cycle of life.
A Final Resting Place in Nature
Above all, a natural burial ground is a nature reserve open to visitors. There are no headstones, so graves blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Those who look closely may notice biodegradable markers, such as wooden memorials or a commemorative tree. The exact location of a loved one’s grave can be found using coordinates. One advantage of natural burial is that the grave remains undisturbed forever. This often makes it more expensive at first than a traditional grave, but in the long run it can be more cost-effective, as you never pay renewal fees or maintenance costs.
There are around 40 natural burial sites in the Netherlands, with one or more serene spots in each province. If you’re considering a natural burial, take a walk in the areas that appeal to you—through woodland, heathland, or perhaps meadows filled with flowers. During a natural funeral, the farewell takes place in a location chosen mindfully by or for the deceased. The coffin, casket, or urn is laid to rest in the earth, returning to the cycle of life. On top of that, by opting for a natural grave you also help preserve Dutch nature reserves.
A Living Memory
Because a natural grave is part of a nature reserve, different rules apply compared to a traditional cemetery. For instance, chemical embalming is not permitted, and only biodegradable materials may be used. This means no jewelry, glasses, or watches, and only personal items that can decompose naturally. The same goes for the clothing the deceased wears. Much of our everyday clothing contains materials like polyester, nylon, or a blend of synthetics, which take a long time to break down. Instead, choose clothing or a shroud made of natural fabrics like linen, hemp, organic cotton, or wool.
Loop Biotech’s restorative funeral products perfectly complement this burial method, as they enrich the earth. In doing so, you leave a positive ecological footprint even after death, contributing to the restoration and preservation of nature. At natural burial sites, no torches, fire pits, or other open flames are used—remembrance takes place in and with the surrounding environment. The sound of the wind in the trees, the changing colors of the heath through the seasons, sunshine or rain—all these elements ensure your loved one’s memory stays alive in the natural world.
Nature Has the Final Word
On a natural burial site, nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the central focus and always gets the final say. If the chosen burial spot turns out to be a nesting area at the time of death, for example, the birds take priority. In that case, a similar spot is arranged in consultation. Nature conservation is paramount, meaning the environment and its wildlife remain undisturbed. The goal of these areas is to protect and enhance nature, partly by boosting biodiversity. By choosing an ecological funeral, you play a part in these efforts, helping the environment thrive and the nature reserve develop.
A natural funeral service can be tailored to personal wishes. Many natural burial sites have facilities for holding the ceremony, or you can hold it outside by the grave itself. For those who have a loved one buried at a natural site, the farewell ceremony feels especially meaningful and peaceful. Even after the funeral, the reserve continues to play a role in their lives. A walk in the area where their loved one rests becomes a tribute to the deceased, who has found peace in nature.
Feel free to read more here about our ambition with the Loop Forest.