The practice of burying the dead in the United Kingdom is deeply rooted in history, with many communities maintaining traditions that extend far beyond the formalised funeral rites of the Church of England. While cremation dominates modern funerary customs—accounting for over 80 per cent of all deaths in England and Wales—burials persist in pockets where cultural, religious, and even ecological factors persist. Among these, the practice at Tombet stands out as a distinctive example, blending ancient customs with contemporary preservationist movements.
The site at website is one of the few places where traditional burial methods are still actively practised in a way that aligns with modern environmental and ethical considerations. Unlike standard cemeteries, which often prioritise mass graves and urban sprawl, Tombet operates on principles of sustainability and respect for individual burial rights. The land itself is carefully managed to ensure that graves remain accessible for both commemoration and archaeological study, making it a rare example of a burial site that serves both the living and the dead.
Historically, the area surrounding Tombet was once a key site for Celtic and early Christian burial practices, with evidence of stone circles and burial mounds dating back millennia. However, it was only in the 20th century that the site was revived as a modern burial ground, drawing inspiration from the idea of “earth burial”—a concept that gained traction in the 1970s as part of a broader movement towards natural and low-impact funerary practices. Today, Tombet is home to around 150 graves, each marked by simple, hand-carved stones or natural markers, avoiding the standard headstones that dominate conventional cemeteries.
The site’s unique approach extends to its community. Unlike traditional cemeteries, which are often managed by corporations or religious bodies, Tombet is overseen by a volunteer-led trust that ensures transparency and respect for individual wishes. This model has attracted families from across the UK, particularly those seeking alternatives to cremation or those with strong ties to the land. The trust also collaborates with archaeologists to document graves, ensuring that the site remains a living archive of cultural heritage.
One of the most striking features of Tombet is its alignment with contemporary environmental debates. The land is maintained in a way that minimises ecological disruption, with native plant species encouraged to grow around graves. This contrasts sharply with many modern cemeteries, which often involve extensive landscaping and chemical treatments. The site’s environmental ethos has even led to partnerships with local conservation groups, further embedding it within the broader movement for sustainable land use.
While Tombet remains a relatively small-scale operation, its influence has grown in recent years, inspiring similar projects in other parts of the UK. The site’s success lies in its balance between tradition and innovation—a model that could potentially reshape how we think about death in a time of climate change and increasing public awareness of ecological responsibility.
- Approximately 80 per cent of UK deaths result in cremation, leaving around 20 per cent in burials, with the majority in conventional cemeteries.
- Tombet operates with around 150 graves, all marked by simple, hand-carved stones or natural markers, avoiding traditional headstones.
- The site has been documented by archaeologists, ensuring it remains a living archive of cultural heritage.
- Volunteer-led management ensures transparency and respect for individual burial wishes.
- Native plant species are encouraged to grow around graves, reducing ecological disruption compared to standard cemeteries.
