Barnstaple Green Burial
A peaceful, natural place to remember those we love.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green, or natural, burial is a gentler alternative to a traditional burial or cremation. Only biodegradable coffins and materials are used, with no concrete grave liners, so everything can naturally return to the earth. The land is left to grow wild — welcoming wildflowers, trees and wildlife.
Barnstaple Green Burial is a small, family-run natural burial ground on the A39 Shirwell Road, just outside Barnstaple in North Devon. We offer green burial plots, double plots and ashes plots for families across Barnstaple and the surrounding North Devon area.
How It Works
There's no complicated process to follow. Just three simple steps, at your own pace.
Call or Send an Enquiry
Get in touch with us by phone or through our enquiry form. We'll answer any questions you have and arrange a suitable time to speak.
Come and Visit the Site
We'll invite you to visit the burial site with us. Take your time looking around and choose a spot that feels right for you and your family.
That's It
We keep things simple. Once you've chosen your preferred spot, we'll guide you gently through the next steps.
A Place You Can Always Come Back To
The site is available to visit 24 hours a day, giving you the freedom to come and spend time at your loved one's resting place whenever you wish — whether that's a quiet morning walk or an evening under the stars.
There's no need to call ahead. Simply come, in your own time, whenever it feels right.
Our Site
Choose a Place That Feels Right
Every family is invited to visit the site and walk around before choosing a spot. There's no need to decide in a hurry — take the time you need, among the quiet trees and open valley views, to find a place that feels meaningful to you.
We'll walk with you if it helps, or simply leave you to explore on your own.
The Opportunity to Plant a Tree
There may be an opportunity to plant a tree at your chosen site. We currently offer a selection of apple trees and other fruit trees, which over time we hope will grow into a beautiful orchard across the land.
Because trees naturally grow and develop over time, not every location on the site is suitable for tree planting. Please speak to us before choosing your site if this is something you would like to consider.
Plan Ahead
You don't have to wait until the time comes. It is possible to reserve a burial site in advance, including many years ahead. If you would like to choose a place now for the future, simply get in touch and we can talk through the options with you. The gravedigging fee is not payable on a reserved plot until the burial actually takes place.
Ask About Reserving a SiteOur Prices
We keep our pricing simple and transparent. All prices include present and future maintenance of the site.
Single Plot
A single burial plot, with the site's ongoing care and maintenance included.
Double Plot
A shared plot for two, so a family can remain together.
Ashes Plot
A dedicated plot for the interment of ashes. No additional digging fee applies.
Side by Side Plots
Per plot, for families who would like separate but neighbouring spots.
Gravedigging
Not payable on a reserved plot until after the burial has taken place.
Tree Planting
Where a suitable location is available. See "The Opportunity to Plant a Tree" above.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our prices or what is included.
A Truly Natural, Green Burial Site
As this is a green burial site, we ask that anything placed at a burial site is biodegradable and suitable for the natural environment. Plastic items, synthetic materials and anything that will not naturally break down are not permitted.
If you are ever unsure whether an item is suitable, please just ask us — we're always happy to help.
- Coffins — Acceptable materials include wicker, willow, bamboo, cardboard, and wood.
- Shrouds — Any natural, biodegradable fibre is acceptable.
- Memorial markers — A small wooden plaque is permitted.
- Flowers — Fresh seasonal flowers, locally grown flowers, wildflowers, and flowers from the family's garden are all welcome.
- Tributes — Natural flower arrangements, biodegradable wreaths, small natural floral tributes, personal handwritten cards (if permitted), and natural items such as leaves or petals are all welcome.
- Site access and vehicles — Available onsite parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We're always happy to arrange a visit so you can walk around the site and get a feel for it before making any decisions.
Yes. Families are invited to walk the site with us and choose a spot that feels right for them.
Yes. You can reserve a plot for yourself or a family member ahead of time. Get in touch and we'll talk you through the process.
Yes, reservations can be made many years ahead of when they may be needed. The gravedigging fee is only payable once the burial takes place.
Yes. The site is open to visit 24 hours a day, whenever feels right for you.
There may be an opportunity to plant a tree at your chosen site, though this isn't guaranteed for every plot as it depends on the location. Please ask us before choosing your site if this is important to you.
Anything left at a burial site must be biodegradable and suitable for a natural environment. If you're not sure whether something is suitable, just ask us.
No. As this is a green burial site, plastic and other synthetic, non-biodegradable materials are not permitted anywhere on the site.
A green, or natural, burial avoids anything that won't break down naturally in the earth, allowing the site to remain a truly natural environment for wildlife and wildflowers to thrive.
Simply call or send us an enquiry. We'll answer your questions, arrange a time to speak, and invite you to visit the site whenever you're ready.
The burial ground is on the A39 Shirwell Road, Barnstaple, EX31 4JH, in North Devon. The what3words address is ///winks.racing.grapevine, and there is parking on site.
A single burial plot is £700, a double plot is £1,100 and an ashes plot is £300. Gravedigging is £450, and tree planting is £60 where a suitable location is available. All plot prices include present and future maintenance of the site.
Coffins must be biodegradable. Wicker, willow, bamboo, cardboard and wood are all acceptable, as are shrouds made from any natural, biodegradable fibre.
We're Here to Help
If you have questions, would like to visit the site or simply want to talk through your options, please get in touch. There is no complicated process — just speak to our family and we will help you from there.
Where We Are
A39 Shirwell Road, Barnstaple, EX31 4JH, United Kingdom
1 Broady Strap, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 2NP, United Kingdom