what is a natural burial ground

A natural burial ground is a place where the body of a deceased person is interred in the soil in a way that allows for natural decomposition and recycling of the body, without inhibiting the process. Natural burial is an alternative to traditional Western burial methods and modern embalming techniques. In natural burials, the remains are placed directly into the earth, without the use of embalming fluid, a casket, or a burial vault. The grave sites in natural burial grounds are dug by hand, without the use of heavy machinery. Natural burial grounds have been used throughout human history and are used in many countries. Families that bury their loved ones in natural burial grounds can record the GPS coordinates of the location where they are buried, without using physical markers. Some natural burial sites use flat wooden plaques, or a name written on a natural rock. Many families plant trees or other native plants near the grave to provide a living memorial. Natural burial grounds have strict rules on memorialization and planting, and typically no permanent grave markers are allowed, however, a wooden plaque or memorial may be used, and the exact location of the grave will be recorded through mapping or geotagging. Coffins used in natural burials should be made from biodegradable materials such as untreated wood, wicker, cardboard, or bamboo, and embalming of the body is not permitted. Natural burial grounds can be woodlands, wildflower meadows, or parks in areas of natural beauty, and most are privately owned or owned by a trust, each with its own fee schedule. Typically, the burial plot is leased for a period ranging from 25 to 75 years, or there may be options lasting the life of the burial ground.