Natural Burial

Whether you are planning your own burial for the future or the burial of a loved one, one option you may wish to explore is a natural burial.

At Gateway Funerals, we can organise natural burials at Bunurong Memorial Park, Lilydale Memorial Park and Rye Cemetery, and can tailor our burial services to the unique needs of our clients. For further information or to speak to one of our funeral experts, please give us a call on 03 9776 0299 or enquire online.

What Is A Natural Burial?


A natural burial involves placing a body in the ground in a way that allows them to decompose naturally.

With a natural burial, a body will decompose faster and fertilise the earth around it. Decomposition is not inhibited by chemical preservatives or an obstructive coffin, as coffins are required to be made from 100% biodegradable materials (wicker, untreated timber etc.). The body is buried at a depth of approximately 3-4 feet, a little over half the depth of a standard grave, allowing more aerated soil to begin the decomposition process faster.

Natural Burial

  • A green grave site is a natural setting, more closely resembling a forest floor.

  • The natural/green, burial method starts with the body preparation, which uses no embalming fluid or a non-formaldehyde based formula.

  • If the cemetery allows a headstone, its usually a rock or a piece of rough-cut limestone that is flat on one side to identify the deceased. Some methods also use GPS coordinates to spot a graves location.

  • Caskets are made of natural timber, bamboo, or wicker. Sometimes a shroud or quilt may be used to wrap the body.

Standard Burial

  • Standard Burials can involve invasive chemical body preparations, and long lasting caskets that can be quite costly depending on your decision.

  • A standard grave site is landscaped and well-maintained, features a large headstone made of granite or flat bronze. These spaces are built to look beautiful, but are not as sustainable.

  • Below ground, a casket made of steel, finished wood or copper with screws and nails rests and prolongs decomposition for almost twice the length of time as a Natural Burial.

What Does A Natural Burial Involve?

Although it can vary depending on the wishes of the deceased or their loved ones, a natural burial will typically involve:

  • The preparation of the body being completed without disinfectant, preservatives or embalming fluid, which might prevent the body from decomposing successfully or negatively impacting the soil.

  • The body being laid to rest in a biodegradable casket or coffin, such as a coffin made from wood or wicker.

  • A grave that does not have a burial vault or burial container – factors that limit the body’s contact with soil.
  • A natural burial will require a shallower grave than a traditional burial, this is to allow microbial activity in more aerated soil.
  • A natural burial can begin or end with a memorial service at one of our chapels and can be a religious or non-religious ceremony.

Why Choose A Natural Burial?

Environmentally-Friendly Burial

We take pride in delivering respectful funeral and memorial services that are eco-friendly.

Fitting Farewell Tribute

A natural funeral allows loved ones to find comfort knowing the body is nourishing surrounding environment, creating a lasting living memorial.

Economical

Some families feel it is more meaningful to honour a loved one through their memory and wishes, rather than spending excessively on a traditional coffin or casket.