What to Do with Ashes in Northamptonshire

Find natural burial, woodland burial and handmade memorial jewellery in Northamptonshire, from Northampton to Oundle and Hemington.

Northamptonshire is a county of rolling farmland, stone villages and the Nene Valley, sitting between the Midlands and East Anglia. Its natural burial grounds are peaceful, family-run places, and families here often choose a woodland or meadow burial over a traditional cemetery. Our guide to cremation vs burial in the UK explains how the options compare.

Natural burial in Northamptonshire

The Windmills Natural Green Burial on Hartwell Road, near Northampton, is meadow and woodland planted with native birch, hornbeam and beech, and welcomes religious, humanist and non-religious ceremonies. Hemington Natural Burial Ground is a family-run site in East Northamptonshire, less than ten minutes from Oundle and within half an hour of Peterborough, Kettering and Corby, where native woodland is still growing. Both accept ashes. See all eco memorials and natural burial in Northamptonshire.

Memorial jewellery

Wings Memorial Jewellery is a solo maker who hand-casts ashes or hair into bespoke memorial stones set in gold or silver. Consultations are private and unhurried, held by appointment over a cup of tea at her Northamptonshire studio, and finished pieces can be collected in person or sent by special delivery. See all memorial jewellery in Northamptonshire.

Is there a natural burial ground near Northampton?

Yes. The Windmills is on Hartwell Road, just south of Northampton.

Can I have a non-religious ceremony at a natural burial ground?

Yes. Most natural burial grounds, including The Windmills, welcome religious, humanist and non-religious services. See our guide to what a celebration of life is.

Can I scatter ashes in the River Nene?

Scattering on rivers is generally allowed without a licence, but you'll need permission to access the bank and should avoid busy stretches and spots near drinking water intakes. Our guide to where you can't scatter ashes in the UK explains the rules.

Can I meet a memorial jeweller in person?

Yes. Wings Memorial Jewellery holds private consultations by appointment at her Northamptonshire studio, so you can talk through the design face to face.