Who we work with
Working in the Birmingham area means that there are a number of natural burial grounds, crematoria and cemeteries to choose from. And when it comes to creating a beautiful and personal ceremony, sometimes it’s nice to get a little help from others. Here is some information on the types of individuals and organisations that we work with.
Ceremony Support
There are a number of local people and businesses that we work with to ensure that families who come to us really do get to choose a personal farewell.
It can be really helpful to have someone experienced in writing and delivering services to help you to create a funeral or memorial. Whether you have religious belief or not, a good minister or celebrant will work with a family to find out about the person who has died and help you to remember them. They can either deliver the service for you, act as a master of ceremonies for the day, or just write something you can read. It is entirely possible for family and friends to do it all- but a lot of people feel this is too much to take on.
We know some really lovely members of the clergy and civil and humanist celebrants who work locally. We can make some recommendations on who we think might be the best fit for your needs.
If you’d like to know more about the differences between the types of people who can deliver a funeral service take a look at our blog post: Do you know your humanists from your civil celebrants?
Flowers and funerals are a partnership as old as time. Whilst there is a relatively recent trend towards family flowers only, many people still like to have some flowers to decorate the coffin. If you have a lovely garden, and it’s the right time of year, you can use your own.
We also know some amazing local florists who can help advise you to create something beautiful and just right for you.
The relationship between food and funerals is also an important one. If you want help in creating a simple afternoon tea or a sumptuous funeral feast, we have trusted local caterers we are happy to recommend to you.
If you would like to arrange a funeral that takes place somewhere in addition to the crematorium or burial ground the we can help you with finding spaces for the funeral, memorial service or wake. Whether something intimate and simple, to beautiful and grandiose – we can help you find the perfect place.
For more ideas on venues take a look at our Funeral Venues page.
Natural Burial Grounds
We love these Natural Burial Grounds. Run by passionate and wonderful people, and closer to Birmingham than you might think. They all have their own distinct character.
For Natural Burial Grounds in other parts of the country, we work closely with the Association of Natural Burial Grounds to help identify the perfect setting for you.
Chat to us about what might suit you best, we can always take you for a visit.
Westall Park, Holberrow Green Nr Redditch, Worcestershire
Westall Park is one of the UK’s finest natural burial grounds and aims to create a place which those who wish to remember their loved ones will want to visit, not out of a sense of duty, but from the pleasure and peace of mind it can evoke.
They have created an eco-friendly cemetery as a place for quiet reflection in an informal setting amongst trees, wild flowers and wildlife.
Eventually it will become a woodland glade, full of nature where all wildlife is encouraged to thrive.
Sun Rising, Nr Stratford upon Avon
Sun Rising is South Warwickshire’s beautiful nature reserve burial ground. In glorious countryside at the edge of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sun Rising offers peace and security you will feel wholly confident with – together with a caring, supportive and professional service for each and every family. Sun Rising is not a cemetery. It is a growing nature reserve, a place where everyone is encouraged to come and explore, to find peace and time to reflect.
Temple Fields, Nr Solihull
Temple Fields Cemetery is a natural burial ground within the picturesque village of Temple Balsall, Solihull. Natural burial is offered as an alternative to traditional funeral services and it is the most environmentally-friendly option, embracing and protecting nature’s purest form.
As the only burial ground of its kind, within the Solihull Borough and its neighbouring areas, Temple Fields boasts a private, tranquil surrounding, amongst wild flowers, wildlife and unspoilt landscapes. A peaceful, idyllic resting place, with a calm, quiet atmosphere and beautiful views.
Alne Wood Burial Park Ground
Alne Wood Burial Park Ground is a natural burial ground located in Great Alne near Studley. Set in 12-acres of wildflower meadow with excellent views of the Warwickshire/Worcestershire border. Part of a larger 40+ acre site that includes newly planted trees along with an oak filled, semi-ancient woodland. The site, along with much of the surrounding area is owned by the Heart of England Forest, a charity with the mission to plant and maintain 30,000 acres of native broadleaf trees in the Midlands. All profits from the burial ground go directly to supporting the charity.
Crematoria
Most people today are cremated. The crematorium, its buildings and environment can vary tremendously. If cremation is your choice then you might not just want to go to the nearest – if you ask us we can talk through the features of several so you can choose the best setting for your farewell.
Slot lengths are detailed below but please note – slot length doesn’t necessarily mean service duration. All guests need to be in and out of the chapel by the time the slot ends, this of course will vary depending on whether 20 or 120 people attend. Double slots can be reserved if you are at all worried about whether you will have enough time.
You can find updated costs via this link for the local crematoria to us.
Birmingham City council runs three crematoria:
Lodge Hill Crematorium
Sutton Coldfield Crematorium
Yardley Crematorium
30 or 45 minute slots depending on the crematorium
Visit the Birmingham City Council website for more information
Perry Barr Crematorium
Owned by Dignity funerals.
60 minute slots
More information on the Dignity website
Redditch Crematorium
Redditch crematoirum has some beautiful views over the countryside, and recycles its energy to heat the swimming pool at the leisure centre next door.
Early morning 30 minute slots, or daytime slots of 45 mins
For more information visit the Redditch Council website
Waseley Hills Crematorium
Owned by Westerleigh Group and opened in January 2022, booking times are offered at 60 minute intervals.
For more information: Waseley Hills Website
Sandwell Valley Crematorium
Booking times are offered at 45 minute intervals. Families are allowed up to 30 minutes for the service.
It’s also possible to book a room for a reception.
More information on the Sandwell website
Robin Hood Crematorium
Woodlands Crematorium, Coleshill
30 minute slots (20 minute service time)
More information on this Solihull website
Cemeteries
These are publicly owned cemeteries. Some are full for new graves now, but most will offer burial plots for cremated remains.
Each will have its own rules about the nature of memorials allowed. Prices will vary enormously, often it’s cheaper for residents, so check with us for a current price. We are happy to talk to the cemetery staff for you to ensure you are aware of all the costs and regulations.
You can find updated costs via this link for the local cemeteries to us.
Brandwood End Cemetery
Now only offer Ashes plots for the burial of two sets of cremated remains. These are located to the right of the chapels and in the Diamond Wood area.
Handsworth Cemetery
Grave sections vary in denomination from consecrated, Free Church, Roman Catholic and Muslim. Adult graves for up to 2 full body burials are available on all these sections. An extended hours burial service is available at Handsworth Cemetery and burials can be accommodated at short notice.
Kings Norton Cemetery
Kings Norton Cemetery has graves available for adult and children interments on lawn header sections. There are also two cremation sections which are able to receive up to either two or four cremated remains interments.
Primrose Meadow is an area of Kings Norton Cemetery designed for natural burials.
Lodge Hill Cemetery
There are no new graves available within the cemetery.
Cremated Remains plots, for up to 2 sets of cremated remains, are limited.
Quinton Cemetery
Full graves, children’s graves and cremated remains graves are available. Sections are designated as Free Church, Roman Catholic, Consecrated and there is also a section for use by the Chinese Community. Burials can take place in either private or public graves.
Yardley Cemetery
Yardley Cemetery has no land for new full graves as it reached capacity in 1962. Full interments, burial or scattering of cremated remains continue to take place in private family graves. A Cremated Remains section was opened in 2009 for the interment of Cremated Remains. These graves are still available to purchase for the burial of up to two sets of Cremated Remains.
Robin Hood Cemetery
Opened in 1917, covers an area of 45 acres, a Cemetery Chapel was constructed in 1931, the extensive grounds consist of ancient woodland, with traditional and lawn grave sections. The Crematorium was opened in 1958, and to make the necessary provision for cremation facilities, the cemetery chapel was modified and the buildings extended.
Woodlands Cemetery, Coleshill
Opened in 1984 and initially accommodated lawn graves and cremated remains graves. In 2000 the existing cemetery chapel was modified and extended to make provision for the Crematorium. The style and architecture was carefully planned to match the existing building and is sympathetic to its rural location. The cemetery has an extensive woodland area containing an ancient decoy pool.
Widney Manor Cemetery, Bentley Heath
Opened in 1992 and is situated in a rural setting. The cemetery accommodates lawn graves and cremated remains graves, there is also an area set aside for the strewing of cremated remains.
Witton Cemetery
New adult graves are no longer available to purchase. Witton Cemetery can still offer you Private Baby graves. Public burials can still take place for both babies and adults. Cremated remains plots, with the capacity for two cremated remains interments, are also available.
Sutton Coldfield Cemetery
This cemetery has no land for new graves and administration is carried out from Sutton New Hall Cemetery. Public children’s graves are available in the older parts of the cemetery and private children’s graves are available in the newer portion.
Sutton New Hall Cemetery
All graves are Free Church and are therefore dedicated at the time of burial. There is however a small section reserved for Orthodox burial. Adult graves for one or two burials and for reservation, are currently available. Cremated remains plots for one, two or four burials, or for reservations, are also available.

Reviews on Google
From the very first contact, Fran and Suzie were absolutely incredible. Their kindness, reassurance, and genuine care made what could have been an overwhelming and traumatic experience feel far more manageable. We felt supported every step of the way.
They helped us create a truly personal and meaningful service for my dad — something that reflected who he really was, rather than just a generic “standard” funeral. They came up with so many thoughtful ideas, including placing a band around the coffin so that everyone could add their own flowers and have a personal moment, and even allowing my wife to wood-burn my dad’s name plate for the coffin. These touches meant more to us than words can say.
They worked tirelessly, even around the clock, to make sure everything was exactly as we hoped it would be. The whole day went beautifully and was the send-off my dad would have loved and deserved.
I cannot recommend A Natural Undertaking highly enough. They are worth every penny and I would recommend them to anyone.
A neighbour recommended A Natural Undertaking and they were so warm, supportive and professional to me and my sons. Carrie was lovely and talked with us about what we wanted and she organised everything superbly. She recommended a Celebrant who was also excellent and although we had been dreading the funeral it all went really well and was a beautiful celebration of my husbands life.
I can’t praise this company enough as they are so caring and they made the whole process so much easier for us all.
Nothing was too much trouble and it was so personal to our family.
I can’t recommend them enough.
From the first phone call I knew they were the right choice! We were empowered to make decisions, think about everything and providing the low fuss funeral as per Duncan's wishes.
Fran reccomended the perfect celebrant (shout out to Kathy Day), ensured we had the right flowers with a nice touch, and accomadated our requests. All whilst ensuring ethics and sustainability are at the heart of their business- something important to me.
They approach death with listening ears, supportive words, and without fear - we were people in the early stages of grief and loss and A Natural Undertaking were the first people to make me smile and feel human.
Dad really didn't want a funeral or any fuss but we needed to say goodbye to him. We were able to take his flatpack coffin home with us and his grandchildren spent time decorating it which was hugely cathartic On the day of his cremation Carrie drove him, in style, on his final journey. We all enjoyed his send-off which was a heady mix of tears and laughter, culminating in his young granddaughter being in charge of the curtain closing button. He would have loved it and we know for certain that he'd have loved the team at A Natural Undertaking.
Thank you so much for all you do - we are so lucky to have you.
Carrie and the team were absolutely wonderful from start to finish in every way!!
Exceeded our expectations of a beautiful funeral for our Mum done the way we wanted. 🌷
The experience of the loss of my father was a difficult time but regardless of whomever I spoke to, I felt like we were all in safe hands. I had never done anything like this before and the team managed everything for me with regular check ins for my input to make sure that the day ran as smoothly as it could.
A special shout out to Carrie, Fran and Suzi who made me feel as though they cared about me and my family as well as making sure my late father was cared for.
In a time where I had no idea how to put one foot in front of another, Carrie and team were guiding me through it every step of the way. I would, without a seconds hesitation reccomend A Natural Undertaking.
In a time where the world feels dark, these guys provide the light to help you through.
Thank you to all involved.
Fran, Carrie and Suzi are so special. It’s like we were dealing with close friends who had all the time to answer questions and find solutions. Always at the end of the phone and on one occasion going well out of business hours to sort a problem. . All done with kindness, consideration and patience.
I cannot thank the team at Natural Undertaking enough, everyone on that day made such a special effort and my husband’s funeral will leave in my memory a peaceful, calm event, that although very sad was handled with such dignity and professionalism.
Junis Harvey and family.
I'll be forever grateful to Kerri and her team at A Natural Undertaking for their extraordinary compassion, patience, and understanding during such a difficult time. Their kindness, attention to detail, and gentle handling of the complexities surrounding our loss and his sendoff were truly remarkable.
From the moment I reached out, I felt like I'd encountered angels. They demonstrated unwavering empathy and professionalism, guiding us through a challenging period with thoughtful care. Their dedication to honouring my father's spirit and ensuring a peaceful farewell was deeply moving, and I'll never forget their selfless efforts to make his celebration of life a reflection of who he truly was.
Her warmth, honesty and compassion shone through. She helped us to navigate the early days of our grief and to create a celebration of mum’s life that honored her in a personal way.
What Suzy has given us goes well beyond what any of us expected from an undertaker.
Fiona Adams, Moseley
When I first looked at A Natural Undertaking’s website, I felt instinctively that they would be the right people to support me with this most difficult of tasks. Since then, Fran and her team have proven over and over again that it was the right decision.
I cannot thank Fran enough for her compassion, support, advice, suggestions, recommendations and amazing organisational skills right from my very first contact with her. This continued right up to the day itself, which I would not have been able to get through without Fran’s support. She has been a reliable and reassuring presence during what has been the hardest time in my life.
So many people who attended have commented that they didn’t know that a funeral could be done in such a beautifully non-traditional way, and with such individual and unusual details - from the white car and the beautiful coffin and flowers, even down to Fran’s shoes! Several have even said that it was the best funeral they had ever been to.
The importance of the work that Fran and her team are leading to offer an alternative to the usual grim traditions, and to change the culture and ethos around death and funerals in general, should not be understated.
If you are reading this review because you find yourselves in the unimaginable situation of having to make the final arrangements for someone you love, and you are wondering whether to use A Natural Undertaking: please don’t hesitate. You will not regret it. Fran enabled me to turn my vision for Andy’s perfect send-off into reality and I will be forever grateful.
Her emotional support throughout the whole process was unwavering. My daughter travelled next to her husband on his last journey in the non traditional white Nissan with Fran driving and supporting. It was a beautiful funeral remarked on by all who attended.
A Natural Undertaking is a breath of fresh air in an industry stifled by tradition and convention. Their ethical and environmental credentials are impeccable and I cannot praise them highly enough
Thank you, Carrie.
Callum had a send off he would have himself chosen. What an absolutely wonderful team.
Thank you so much!
From beginning to end, I felt supported and empowered in making the arrangements for my partner. Carrie in particular came up with some beautiful and brilliant suggestions for planning the funeral which made it the very special occasion it finally turned out to be. The whole thing worked wonderfully well and I felt it turned into a pitch perfect tribute to my partner, which I think she would have greatly appreciated.
The feed back I have been getting from many who attended and some who watched remotely has been universally complementary, many saying it's the best funeral they have ever attended! Very highly recommended.
We were so pleased with Dad’s services. Ruth was the celebrant at the crematorium and she told Dad’s story with passion, as if she had known the family her whole life.
I would strongly recommend a Natural Undertaking to any friends and family. Thank you.
The Celebration of Life for my husband, Simon, was as perfect as it could have been. That was down to A Natural Undertaking. They took care of my husband, and they took care of me too.
My thanks to Fran, Kerri, Carrie and the team.
Chris Maciel (wife)
I lost my partner & we have a 3 month old baby together.
Fran knew I wanted his funeral to be very special and different. I had so many questions and requests and she held my hand every step of the way, nothing was too much. She made me feel like part of her family & I will be forever grateful that she helped me through the hardest experience of my life and made such a special send off for my man.
She brought so many ideas to the table, it didn’t feel feel like a funeral, it felt like a magical send off & she lead over 200 motorbikes to the crematorium.
Thank you so much Fran & the team, if I could give more than 5 stars, I’d give you 1000
Suzy was easy to contact and responded very quickly to any queries. We chose a white electric hearse which was obviously quiet and reverential.
We felt fully supported throughout the whole process and could not have asked for anything more. Thank you so much for offering such a vital service with such compassion at a time when people so need your support.
You went above and beyond to make sure it was perfect for mum. I can’t thank you enough for the care you showed for our autistic sister.
I can’t recommend a natural undertaking enough, arranging a service is so emotional but was made easier by all of you.
Mum would have been proud of everything we were able to do for her.
Thank you so much.
The communication between Suzie, Westall Park, the celebrant Jess and the flowers from Carole at the Tuckshop was wonderful and I felt very relaxed about the day.
I cannot thank the team enough 🙏🏻
Sarah Knight
For both occasions they provided a friendly, compassionate service to help create a celebration of a person's life. They help you understand the options and provide the information you need to create the service you wish to make for your loved one. They are always on hand if you need to make changes or ask questions. I thank Carrie, Roxy, Fran and the rest of their team for all they did for my parents. I would not hesitate to recommend them.
In such a difficult time it was lovely to find such professional and caring people.
Carrie & Fran listened to our wishes and did exactly what we wanted. They found us David the lovely vicar, who, also was caring and compassionate.
After, everyone commented on how smooth things went, and how the day was memorable.
This was an indication of how good a natural undertaking are, and, it gave us comfort to know that we made the right decision in choosing them.
Highly recommended. Five Stars
When our mum died, we didn't want a typical funeral. We didn't know what we wanted, but the cliche "celebration of life" was closer to what we wanted than anything else.
Carrie was absolutely amazing. We knew straight away we wanted them after the initial sympathetic conversation.
Carrie is so loving, passionate, caring and helpful. Nothing is too much, she does so much and makes it all look effortless.
She told us we could have whatever we wanted and she helped us give our mum a loving and simple ceremony, with personal touches our mum would have loved, that involved and included all the people she cared about and who cared about her.
Carrie feels more like a friend or a member of the family. She is a beautiful person with a heart of gold, knowledgable and so good at what she does.
Thank you so much Carrie and your fabulous team!
Tania & Helen


Would recommend them to anyone that should ever have the misfortune of needing them. They genuinely turn a horrible situation into the event the deceased would want it to be.




I hope that I never need to, but if I need to arrange a funeral again, I won't hesitate to give them a call.



Our family had an idea of what we wanted for Holly's funeral and everyone at A Natural Undertaking helped guide us with her wishes.
Holly wanted a natural burial and it was in her quirky nature to have a creative and diverse farewell which is exactly what she got.
Death and grief is extremely hard especially when a loved one is so young. We felt like we had an opportunity to help others through this process as a result of everything they had to offer us. Our family, our children & friends were all involved (as per our wishes) thanks to the huge effort and organisation of these wonderful people at A Natural Burial.
Thank you so much for everything you did for Holly and family. We will hold you in our hearts forever x


From the start to finish the care, kindness and attention to detail was second to non.
We were given help and support with all the arrangements and we felt that the stress, of loosing a loved one so suddenly, had been taken off our shoulders.
They helped to turn the day into a wonderful tribute to Joan.
We would highly recommend this wonderful service!

Fran and Carrie advised and guided us through both the process and the decisions that we needed to make for my father’s funeral with thought and understanding. They advised us what was possible and made constructive suggestions without pressure. They then calmly undertook the organisation of the service itself with calm efficiency despite late inputs from ourselves. The resulting service was both personal and appropriate to say goodbye to my father from myself, our family and his friends.
I was specifically appreciated that Carrie found time to discuss in general the workings of the undertaking business which one at other times have little time or inclination to investigate. It certainly helped me during this time.
I whole heartedly recommend this company.


Their attention to detail and having everything covered was such a massive weight off the family’s shoulders. We felt completely held. It seems strange to write this but they were a breath of fresh air to what is in essence is a very difficult time. Thank you so much Carrie and Frances - just like Swans gliding through water, you made a very difficult time seem like a heart centred natural undertaking. K Mann








