UPDATE: A significant step toward establishing New England’s first natural burial ground has been achieved as a recent survey received unanimous support from local respondents. The survey, initiated by a community group in Uralla, has already drawn nearly 100 responses and will continue through November.
The initiative gathered momentum at the Black Gully Music Festival held in Armidale on November 10, where organizers engaged festival-goers about the benefits of natural burials. Carol Shantal, an organizer, emphasized the growing interest: “People said they wanted to give back to the earth what we have all received, life.”
Natural burial practices allow for human bodies to decompose naturally in the earth, using only biodegradable materials for shrouding. Unlike conventional burials, natural burials involve no coffins and require no more than one meter of soil above the body, promoting environmental sustainability.
Currently, there are only 24 natural burial grounds listed across Australia, with the closest option for New England residents located in Lismore. A previous attempt to establish a site in Invergowrie in 2017 was deemed unsuitable due to high water table concerns.
The idea for a natural burial ground resurfaced earlier this year during a death cafe in Uralla, focused on discussions surrounding mortality. “We have rekindled the process with the survey and our stall at the music festival,” Shantal noted. Following the survey’s evaluation, the group plans to engage with local landowners interested in hosting a natural burial site, envisioning that ideally, each town could have its own.
Grave sites in natural burial grounds are typically marked using GPS technology, allowing families to choose personalized markers such as small stones or plaques. “Someone once said, every day is a good day to die, and that means live with an appreciation and gratitude for each day,” Shantal added.
Uralla Mayor Robert Bell expressed his strong support for the initiative, stating, “We’re not opposed to the concept… They would have to pick an appropriate area and take into consideration issues such as parking and neighbors, if any.” The council is open to reviewing a development application for a suitable parcel of land.
Natural burials are gaining popularity as awareness increases about the environmental impact of traditional cremations, which release up to 500 kilograms of CO2 and toxic gases into the atmosphere. Shantal highlighted another advantage: families can keep bodies at home for up to several days before burial, eliminating the need for a funeral director.
The Natural Death Advocacy Network is actively supporting these discussions and will hold an online forum on December 6, 2023, featuring Dr. Pia Interlandi, who will explore the interaction between textiles and decomposition, emphasizing the importance of material selection in natural burials.
As the movement toward eco-friendly burial options gains traction, community engagement continues to grow, driving the urgency for a dedicated natural burial site in New England. Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing survey to voice their support, shaping the future of this vital project.
