There is a worldwide trend towards environmentally friendly funerals and burials.  Britain now has 228 natural burial sites, or woodland burial sites, which are owned by councils and private businesses.  The deceased are buried in coffins made from woven wicker, plantation pine or recycled cardboard.

Instead of ornate graves with headstones, the deceased is buried in a biodegradable coffin in a woodland setting.  When relatives and friends want to visit the grave, they will need to use a satellite navigation device to locate it.

Australia's fourth "natural burial site" has opened in Lismore, in bushland attached to Lismore Memorial Park Cemetery.When arranging a burial, the family can walk around the bushland and choose a site. The other sites in Australia are in Tasmania, Victoria and in Western Australia.

Sydney residents can ensure that their burial or cremation has less environmental impact by choosing a coffin made from a recycled cardboard product. (available from LifeArt in Silverwater)

Lismore Bushland cemetery