"We chose a natural burial."

Pic of Jonathan: white man with beard holding baby lamb. Text: We chose a natural burial.

"My dad was one of those special people who made you feel warm when you were with him. He was almost childlike in his wonder at the natural world.

"We had talked with him about what he wanted before he died. We really wanted the funeral to be a reflection and celebration of him.

"My cousin Jess, whom my dad adored, led the ceremony for us. This was such a gift and made it very personal.

"We asked everyone to wear something mustard coloured. My dad loved wearing that colour. Sometimes, he would even pull out a bold double mustard trouser and jumper combo!

"At the graveside, my brother read a quote about going back to the earth, trees and air. We put rosemary in the grave and bunting that the kids had made with pictures of owls and moths on it.

"One of the most amazing parts for me was filling in the grave itself. I thought that I might find it too difficult, but it was actually really healing.

"We are so tied by what we know or imagine funerals to be, it’s freeing to think that there isn’t anything that you can’t do."

Meg, Jonathan's daughter

Jonathan's choices

  • We choose a wicker coffin.
  • A natural burial in a woodland glade.
  • Jonathan's three children and their partners carried the coffin.
  • The whole family helped to back-fill the grave.
  • Everyone was asked to wear his favourite colour, mustard.
  • The ceremony was led by family members.
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