Where to go for support and guidance
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the special bond between a mother and her children. It’s also a day to recognise and honour the motherly figures in our lives. But for those who have lost a child, it’s a day of great sadness and grief – one that will undoubtedly trigger painful memories.
Even though losing a baby or child is one of the most difficult and emotional experiences anyone will ever have to go through, we don’t tend to talk about how this special day affects bereaved mothers. This is why Mother’s Day can make the loss of a child feel even more unbearable than any other day of the year.
We understand how overwhelming the pain of Mother’s Day can be. This blog will guide you through these emotions and offer guidance on where to seek support.
Surround yourself with loved ones
Mother’s Day is bound to be tougher than any other day of the year. But surrounding yourself with friends and family and reflecting on precious memories can help turn your thoughts of grief and sadness into comfort.
Going for a walk together can really help turn your feelings of grief into hope. Connecting with nature is proven to help people with grief – after all, nature’s a healer. Find a beautiful spot to explore and try to turn your attention to all the natural wonders you see. If you need to walk in silence for a while, that’s okay. Your loved ones will understand.
You might also find comfort in telling stories of your child, taking some time to remember the good times you shared. Having permission to show your emotions and speak about your loss is healthy, so don’t feel shy in asking your friends and family if you can talk about how you’re feeling.
Keep busy
If you’re someone who likes to keep themselves busy, make specific plans for Mother’s Day and stick to them. Whether you choose to honour your child or spend the day being as ‘normal’ as possible, planning ahead keeps you in control, allowing you to spend Mother’s Day in the way that’s right for you and your family.
Look after yourself
You might prefer to be by yourself this Mother’s Day – and that’s okay. Just remember to be as kind to yourself as possible. Pour yourself a hot bath, watch your favourite TV programme, or go for a run to clear your head. Do whatever makes you happy – and don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first.
Visit your child’s grave or memorial
You may take comfort from visiting your child’s grave or memorial on Mother’s Day. This is a deeply personal choice, but many grieving mothers find that visiting their loved one’s resting place provides the peace and quiet they need to reflect on precious memories.
Seek support
If you feel like you’re struggling in the run-up to Mother’s Day, there’s no shame in asking for help. There are many organisations in the UK who can help. We have listed a few below:
You might find comfort from the many video stories and articles available online from other families who have lost a child, as well as initiatives from professionals who support them. Remember, you’re not alone in your grief.
Join us at our monthly Bereavement Cafés
Our monthly Bereavement Cafés are welcoming spaces held within our Parks, where the topic of death is not a taboo, but an open and honest conversation. Here, you can say your loved one’s name, share your memories, and talk about your grief with others who truly understand.
For those not ready to share, Bereavement Cafés offer the opportunity to simply listen, to be in the presence of others navigating loss, and to find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
These gatherings are not about fixing grief or rushing healing – they’re about creating a safe, compassionate community where every experience of loss is respected, and every story matters. Whether you come to talk, listen, or just be, you are warmly welcomed.
Free tea, coffee and cake. See here for your GreenAcres local Park monthly Bereavement Café
Join us for our Mother’s Day event
We invite you to our special Mother’s Day Remembrance event – a time to honour cherished memories, reflect, and remember those who are no longer with us. You will also have the opportunity to light a candle and tie a memorial heart on our Remembrance Tree.
Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome! Click here for more information.
This blog offers a step-by-step guide to organising a cremation and cremation service.
There are many reasons why people are opting for cremation – the higher cost of burial is probably one of these. However, respect for, and the honouring of, the religious belief of their loved one is another important consideration. Members of some faith groups choose burial because that aligns with their faith (Jews and followers of Islam are examples). Others look to cremation – particularly Hindus and Sikhs, as well as those Buddhists who choose to follow the example of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama).
Another factor is that cremation offers families many more options to memorialise their loved one, so what follows can become a deeply personal experience. For some people, the act of scattering ashes, for example, gives them a sense that their loved one is all around them or looking down and continuing to admire the place chosen for them. Or they might choose to place the ashes in a beautiful urn at home.
Not all crematoria and cemeteries allow ash scattering. However, scattering is possible in designated areas at any GreenAcres Park. Generally though, there is nothing in UK law to stop you scattering ashes in a place that was special to your loved one, or over water (including rivers), but you do need the landowner’s permission. And if you’re planning to scatter ashes on ‘controlled waters’ you should consult the Environment Agency’s recommendations. But, before any cremation, there are some legal steps to follow:
The four legal steps
Step 1 is only likely to involve you, a family member or a friend/neighbour if your loved one has died at home. In a hospital or care home, Step 1 will be carried out by staff so you won’t need to get involved.
Step 1 – Verification of death
Verification of death is the process of identifying that a person has died. It has nothing to do with providing a death certificate or identifying the cause of death.
English Law allows any competent adult, either independently or with remote support from a doctor, to verify that someone has died. It doesn’t need to be done by a doctor.
The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have produced a collaborative process (protocol) that can be followed by anyone present to verify death if they feel able to do so.
If you find yourself having to verify a death, either call your GP who will support you over the phone, or follow the guidelines in the protocol above.
Step 2 – Certification of death
After a death has been verified, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) must be completed and submitted to the local registrar of births, marriages and deaths by a (GMC registered and licensed) doctor. You don’t need to be involved in this step, and there’s nothing to pay.
If the doctor cannot offer a likely cause of death, the case must be submitted to the coroner to establish a cause of death.
Now, because of Covid-19 and the Coronavirus Act 2020, for a doctor to complete an MCCD without referral to the coroner, they must have seen (including via video link) the patient in the 28 days before death, or in person after death. If these conditions are met, the MCCD will be completed by the doctor and sent (by email) to the registrar who will record the death and complete the paperwork to allow burial or cremation.
Step 3 – Registration of death
The person registering the death is formally known as ‘the informant’. Only relatives or specific individuals are qualified by law to register a death. Other people include:
- The occupier of the house or an official from the public building where the death occurred
- Someone present at the death
- The person making the arrangements with the Funeral Director
The informant must register the death within five days in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and within eight days in Scotland.
However, if there’s a Coroner’s inquest (Procurator Fiscal in Scotland), registration is delayed until the inquest has been completed.
Depending on which country the deceased person lived in, the informant must register the death:
- In England and Wales at the Register Office
- In Northern Ireland at the District Registration Office
- In Scotland at the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Registering a death is free, but you will need to pay for copies of the death certificate in order to deal with their estate. We suggest you get multiple copies of the certificate. This means you can deal with several organisations at the same time instead of having to wait for your only copy to be returned by one organisation (say the bank) before you can deal with the next one.
Step 4 – Cremation certificate
The Coronavirus Act 2020 changed the requirements of the cremation process. During the COVID-19 emergency, Form Cremation 4 is now the only form that needs to be completed. This form must be completed by a registered doctor and sent to the relevant crematorium. (The standard requirement for sending form Cremation 5 as well has been suspended.) Cremation 4 will then be checked by the crematorium medical referee to ensure it complies with guidance. Referees have the right (and a duty) to raise questions to ensure the safety of the system. When you have completed the formalities, and the death has been registered, you can then think about the cremation and cremation service.
You may also find the Tell Us Once service available through GOV.UK particularly useful. It lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go. In Northern Ireland, you’ll need to visit Who to tell about a death.
If you would prefer to use a Funeral Director, then the Good Funeral Guide is an excellent place to start your search. We also have a list of Funeral Directors we work with on a regular basis here.
Options for a cremation service
After the cremation, you might be thinking about how you’ll mark the place where your loved one’s ashes have been scattered or buried. At GreenAcres, our Parks are open to anyone of any faith or none looking for the perfect place to remember and reflect on the life of a loved one. To speak to a member of our friendly team please call 0203 745 8325 or send an email to [email protected] or contact us here.
Funerals are deeply personal, emotional ceremonies to honour the life and memory of a loved one. As part of these ceremonies, flowers have traditionally been used to express love, respect, and sympathy. However, in recent years, concerns about the environmental impact of traditional funeral flower arrangements have emerged. Many of these designs, though beautiful, are unsustainable, often constructed with single-use plastic elements such as floral foam, ribbons made from synthetic materials and plastic tape which can contribute to plastic pollution and landfill waste.
In response to these concerns, a growing number of eco-conscious florists are offering sustainable alternatives to traditional funeral flowers. These eco-friendly flower arrangements not only minimise environmental impact but also reflect the beauty and purity of nature, which can add an extra layer of meaning to the tribute for those seeking a more natural ceremony for their loved ones.
Sophie Newman Floristry
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Funeral Flowers?
It’s estimated that over 14,670 cubic meters of floral foam and single-use plastic are sent to UK landfills every year from crematoriums alone – that’s the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools! This statistic highlights the staggering waste generated by traditional funeral practices. Many florists still use floral foam – a type of plastic that crumbles over time and releases harmful microplastics into the environment. Funeral flower arrangements created with these materials not only contribute to landfill waste but also have the potential to leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater.
Plastic floral foam has been the mainstay of funeral floristry since it was invented in the 1950s. It sits at the heart of most of the letters, shapes and 3D tributes which you may see travelling by in hearses, massed in the viewing areas of crematoriums, or laid on graves in all parts of the UK.
Given what we now know about the negative impact of plastic on the environment, many families are opting for sustainable alternatives. Eco-friendly funeral flowers are made without floral foam or plastic materials and use seasonal, locally sourced flowers to reduce the carbon footprint. Instead of plastic supports, florists may use biodegradable materials like moss or bamboo to structure the arrangements.
Sustainable Funeral Flower Alternatives
There are several ways to create meaningful and sustainable funeral flower arrangements that honour the memory of a loved one while protecting the environment:
- Hand-Tied Sheaves
A hand-tied sheaf is a popular eco-friendly alternative to traditional casket sprays. These arrangements consist of a flat-backed bouquet with open-cut stems tied together with natural fibres, such as cotton or jute. The absence of floral foam or plastic means the entire arrangement can be buried with the casket or returned to nature without leaving any waste behind. When created with local, seasonal flowers, the carbon footprint is significantly reduced.
Helen Sheard Floral Designs - Foam-Free Wreaths
Wreaths are a common choice for funerals, but traditional wreaths are often made with floral foam rings or polystyrene bases. Eco-friendly alternatives involve creating wreaths with natural plant materials, like willow or grapevine, to form the structure. These wreaths are fully biodegradable and can be left at the burial site without concern for lingering pollution.
Helen Sheard Floral Designs - Compostable Casket Tributes
For those looking for a more elaborate arrangement to sit atop a casket, many florists now offer fully compostable designs. These tributes use natural materials, such as moss instead of floral foam to support the flowers. In some cases, florists will create reusable bases made from plant fibres or mineral-based supports that can be reclaimed after the ceremony. This eliminates waste and ensures that no harmful materials are buried with the casket.
Woodchurch Cottage Flowers - Seasonal and Local Blooms
Another way to reduce the environmental impact of funeral flowers is to choose blooms that are in season and grown locally. Imported flowers require more resources for transportation and often come with a larger carbon footprint due to the energy needed for refrigeration and transit. By selecting flowers that are in season and locally sourced, you not only support local growers but also reduce the overall environmental impact.
Woodchurch Cottage Flowers - Plastic-Free Packaging and Bouquets
If family and friends are bringing flowers to the service, they can be encouraged to avoid bouquets wrapped in plastic or tied with plastic ribbons. Instead, guests can opt for flowers wrapped in biodegradable paper or natural fabrics. Alternatively, they can contribute to a memorial charity in lieu of flowers, further reducing waste while supporting a meaningful cause.
The Shropshire Flower Company
How to Find Eco-Friendly Florists
In the UK, Farewell Flowers is a directory that helps families find local florists who specialise in creating plastic-free and environmentally conscious funeral flower arrangements. These florists are committed to focusing on sustainable materials and creating unique, meaningful arrangements that reflect the personality and interests of the person being remembered.
Choosing a Green Burial Site
For those organising a green funeral or burial, it’s important to check with the site about any rules they may have regarding flower displays. Some green burial sites have strict guidelines to ensure that only native plants are left on the land and that no plastic or non-biodegradable materials are used. Florists who specialise in eco-friendly funeral flowers are typically well-versed in these regulations and can create designs that adhere to the site’s guidelines.
Additionally, you can consider a Living Memorial, Living Memorials are increasingly popular for those seeking an eco-friendly way to honour loved ones.
These memorials offer a lasting tribute that grow and flourish, symbolising their life, legacy and lasting imprint on the natural world. One of the many options we have in our GreenAcres Parks is a Living Memorial Tree. Whether used for burials, a final resting place for ashes, or a special dedication; a Living Memorial Tree offers a sustainable alternative to traditional memorials, aligning personal remembrance with ecological responsibility.
By planting a Living Memorial Tree, you create a personal and lasting space for reflection while contributing positively to the environment. These trees provide habitat for wildlife, enhance air quality, contribute positively to the ecosystem and help sequester carbon.
See more on eco-burials here
Final Thoughts
Eco-friendly funeral flowers offer a way to honour loved ones in a meaningful, thoughtful manner while protecting the environment. Whether you choose hand-tied sheaves, compostable casket tributes, or wreaths made from natural materials, these arrangements ensure that your final farewell doesn’t come at the cost of our planet’s health. By working with sustainable florists and considering green alternatives, we can all play a part in reducing waste and preserving the beauty of nature, even in our moments of deepest grief.
If you’re planning a funeral and would like to make eco-conscious decisions, Farewell Flowers Directory is a wonderful resource to find UK florists dedicated to providing plastic-free and sustainable options. Let’s make the final tribute to our loved ones as gentle on the Earth as their memory is on our hearts.
Whatever your wishes we are here to work with you and your Funeral Director to give you a personalised service and the support you need. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Image Credits: the florists listed below kindly allowed us to share their photos, they are all registered with the Farewell Flowers Directory. Click the links below to visit their websites.
Helen Sheard Floral Designs
Woodchurch Cottage Flowers
The Shropshire Flower Company
Sophie Newman Floristry
With more and more of us developing an awareness of our environmental impact, living life consciously is becoming the norm. Many of us are careful to reduce waste, our use of plastic and our carbon footprint, but did you know that we can make our funerals less harmful to the environment, too?
Sustainability is incredibly important to us at GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. Now that eco-friendly funerals are more popular than ever, we want to talk you through what we’re doing to offer you and your family more choice while making our Parks greener, more sustainable and kinder to the environment.
What are eco burials?
Eco-friendly burials have less impact on the environment than traditional burials and offer a more natural setting for memorial services. Green burials – or natural burials as they’re also known – go one step further, having as little impact on the environment as possible.
Eco burials prioritise natural, biodegradable materials – like UK-produced cardboard coffins and simple shrouds – over materials that have a detrimental effect on the earth. Those having eco burials recognise that fewer vehicles and minimal travelling means fewer emissions. They choose coffins and eco-friendly decorations that haven’t travelled from overseas to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum, too.
When planning a funeral, be sure to ask your Funeral Director about the green credentials of your choices before you commit.
Eco-friendly burials at GreenAcres
We have six tranquil Parks, each with a unique and enchanting atmosphere. Set amidst acres of woodland and carefully maintained grounds, each one provides a beautiful setting for your final resting place, with many opportunities to represent the way you wish to be remembered for years to come.
When it comes to your funeral, we believe that everyone should have a choice about how they’re buried and be armed with the information to make the right decision. That’s exactly what we aim to provide. We also want to be kind to the environment, which is why we’re continuing to reduce and neutralise emissions to achieve net zero across our entire business.
We’re still on a journey, but the smallest steps can still make a difference.
How to make a cremation kinder to the planet
While cremations are a popular choice, they use large amounts of energy and produce lots of excess CO². For that reason, cremations are not considered as green as eco burials.
However, seeing as 78% of people are cremated in the UK, it’s important that we use eco-friendly cremation methods wherever possible. At GreenAcres, we have no cremators on site and instead work with partners in our local area to make use of unused capacity. This is kinder to the environment, as it means we’re not firing up and running another gas machine that would also not be running at full capacity.
Electric cremators are being more widely used across the UK, too. Electric cremators produce fewer carbon emissions than gas cremators, making them a little more energy-efficient. At GreenAcres, we use electric cremators wherever possible to help minimise our environmental impact during cremations as much as we can.
Ways to have a sustainable burial
If you want to minimise the impact your burial will have on the environment, think about the following things when planning your own or a loved one’s funeral:
Choose a natural coffin
The choice of coffin is a very personal one. Eco coffins made from cardboard, willow, local wicker and UK solid wood are considered better for the environment and are acceptable at all of our Parks. Many people also opt for a simple shroud made from natural fabric that won’t harm the environment. We accommodate shroud burials at our Parks, which avoids some of the issues associated with certain coffin materials.
Our eco and conservation policies mean metal caskets or zinc-lined coffins cannot be interred (placed in a grave) or used for a cremation service.
Don’t embalm the body if not necessary
Choosing not to embalm a person is kinder to the environment. Formaldehyde and other chemicals used for embalming can leak into the soil after a burial, impacting the land around it. If you don’t need to delay a funeral, you may want to skip the embalming process to make the burial as natural as possible.
That being said, at GreenAcres, we believe that people should have a choice. We understand that embalming is important for some families, so we don’t refuse bodies that have been embalmed.
Have a woodland burial
A woodland burial is a more natural alternative to a traditional burial or cremation. Whether you’re planning a full burial service or a graveside or committal service, you can arrange a woodland burial at each one of our Parks.
Our tranquil and beautiful Parks are the perfect place for you to say your goodbyes and reflect on precious memories with your loved ones time and time again. Our families take great comfort from knowing that this landscape will be sustained, enhanced and preserved for future generations – making GreenAcres the perfect place to rest and visit for years to come.
Minimise travel by car sharing
You can use our facilities and the surrounding meadow and woodland in many ways. This includes holding a smaller service at the burial site to minimise travel between venues. You could also encourage mourners to car share to the venue, travelling in as few vehicles to the burial site as possible. This will help keep emissions to a minimum.
Plant a tree in memory instead of using a headstone
Instead of using an imported headstone, you can add to the natural landscape by planting a memorial tree. Available at GreenAcres, a Living Memorial Tree will last for generations and serves as a living legacy to your loved one. The first set of ashes are scattered with a sapling tree. Once they’re interred beneath the root-ball, ashes from other loved ones within the family can be added around the tree as it grows to be a big and magnificent tribute.
In some Parks we are also able to offer a dedicated standard Rose Bush. This provides the perfect opportunity for family ashes to be interred close to the roots in a biodegradable urn, where they can live on through the beautiful roses.
If you’d prefer a headstone, why not opt for a wooden memorial? 87% of our memorials are wooden, and five of our Parks have no imported granite or marble, making wood a kinder option for nature. We also offer local UK stone, if that’s what you’d prefer.
Whatever your wishes, we are here to work with you and your Funeral Director to give you a personalised service and the support you need to plan an eco-burial. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Experiencing a death can make the ‘firsts’ of everything incredibly difficult.
The first Christmas, birthday and anniversary of a loved one passing often remind us of the people we lost, forcing us to face up to the fact they’re no longer with us. But while these occasions can be painful, they also offer us the chance to reflect on precious memories and commemorate our loved ones, giving these occasions a brand-new meaning.
It’s normal to feel sad, lost and even angry in the run-up to a special event – but you should never feel bad for celebrating. While there’s no right or wrong way to approach anniversaries and occasions after a death, we’ve got some tips on how to handle them.
Plan the day in advance
You can help prevent unwanted heartache by planning your celebration in advance. You might want to get the whole family together to celebrate the day – or perhaps you’d feel more comfortable watching films and eating nice food by yourself. Whatever you decide, figuring out the itinerary in advance will help empower you to cope with your feelings in the way you feel most able.
It’s important to be kind to yourself if you feel like changing your plans on the day. Similarly, if you agree to go to an event but don’t feel up to it, don’t be hard on yourself. You have to take things at your own pace. Your nearest and dearest will understand.
Write your feelings in a journal
In the run-up to a first event, it’s not unusual to have endless thoughts running through your head. You may feel fine one minute and upset about the thought of your loved one not being there the next. To help channel your feelings, try writing down how you feel. You might want to focus on:
- The challenges you’re facing
- How you’re trying to overcome them
- What’s making you feel most stressed out
- What you hope to achieve over the next year
- What’s made you feel good recently? It could be something as simple as a walk in the woods, feeling the sunshine on your face or having a laugh with a friend
You might also find it helpful to write your loved one a letter with everything you’d say to them if they were still alive. Take the letter to their grave or tuck it somewhere safe – like in a memory box or memorial. That way, you’ll feel closer to them.
Respect other people’s wishes
During Christmas, Easter and other shared events, you might find that your family and friends want to celebrate it differently to you. People deal with grief differently – and that’s completely okay. The important thing is to respect their wishes but also be sure to do what’s right for you. You don’t need to do anything you’re not comfortable with – and the same applies to your loved ones. You can all celebrate in different ways and come together when you’re ready to do so.
Find ways to honour their memory
Your loved one may have passed away, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about them. By honoring their memory, you can include them as part of your celebrations long after they’re gone. You can do this by dedicating time to put flowers on their grave, doing something they loved or sharing stories about them with your friends and family. Plus, anniversaries and birthdays can allow you to reflect on precious memories, serving as a day to celebrate their legacy for years to come.
Start new traditions
It may help you to cope with your grief by starting new traditions. Time moves on, and so does the way we honour our loved ones. You could watch their favourite film on their birthday or cook their favourite meal. Whatever you do, it doesn’t have to be anything big. Try to find something that reflects them and their personality and it’ll feel like they’re with you in spirit.
Embrace your tears
If you feel sad and need a good cry, it’s better to let your emotions out than keep them bottled up. Tears aren’t a negative thing – they show how much you care. Crying can be healthy, so let your emotions guide you as you navigate through the first events after their death.
However you’re feeling, you never have to grieve alone. Our Bereavement Cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you. You will find a kind, supportive space with understanding from others who are also living life after loss. We provide additional resources including a collection of grief books and signposting information to other bereavement organisations.
We promise you a warm welcome from our experienced and compassionate team along with tea, coffee and cake! This event is FREE for anyone bereaved in the local community surrounding the Park. Find your nearest event here.
Grief is one of the most challenging emotional experiences we can face. Whether it comes from the loss of a loved one, a life change, or a personal setback, grief has a way of isolating us, making it difficult to see a path forward. In these moments, nature can be an unexpected yet powerful ally in our healing journey. The natural world offers a space for reflection, comfort, and renewal – helping us process our grief in gentle and meaningful ways.
1. A Place for Quiet Reflection
In nature, we find a sanctuary from the noise of everyday life. Whether it’s walking through woodland, sitting by the sea, or simply spending time in a garden, nature provides a quiet space for reflection. In moments of grief, this silence can be comforting, allowing us to slow down, sit with our feelings, and gradually begin to understand them.
2. Nature’s Endurance
The changing seasons, the life cycle of plants, and the rhythm of the natural world offer us reminders of the cyclical nature of life and death. Trees shed their leaves in autumn only to bloom again in spring. Flowers wither but leave seeds for new growth. By observing these natural processes, we are reminded that while loss is part of life, renewal is also possible. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it offers hope for the future.
3. Physical Movement to Process Emotions
Engaging with nature often involves movement – whether it’s walking, running, or simply tending to a garden. Physical activity is a powerful tool for processing grief, as it helps release stress and can create a sense of progress when everything else feels stagnant. The act of walking outdoors, surrounded by trees, plants, and wildlife, can provide a sense of grounding and connection that is soothing in times of emotional upheaval.
4. Connection to Something Greater
In moments of deep sorrow, it’s easy to feel small and alone in the vastness of grief. Nature has a way of reminding us that we are part of something larger, something enduring. The sky above, the trees around, and the earth below can help us feel connected to the world, to others, and to the idea that life continues, even in the face of loss. This connection can bring comfort, especially when words or support from others feel insufficient.
5. Creating Living Memorials
One beautiful way to honour a loved one and find solace is through creating a living memorial. Whether it’s planting a tree, creating a garden, or scattering ashes in a special outdoor space, nature can provide a lasting tribute that grows and changes over time. These living memorials offer a place of peace where you can visit, reflect, and feel close to the one you’ve lost, while also contributing to the beauty and life of the natural world.
6. The Healing Power of Routine in Nature
Grief can often leave us feeling disoriented, as though life has lost its structure. Returning to nature -whether through daily walks, gardening, or simply spending time outside – can help reestablish a sense of routine. The sun rises and sets, plants grow and bloom, animals follow their instincts – these patterns remind us that life continues, providing a subtle but important form of healing.
7. Mindfulness and Presence in the Outdoors
Mindfulness, or the practice of being present in the moment, can be a useful tool in managing grief. Nature invites mindfulness naturally – whether it’s noticing the way sunlight filters through leaves, the sound of birdsong, or the feeling of grass underfoot. By focusing on these sensory experiences, we can find moments of peace, however brief, that give us a break from the overwhelming weight of our emotions.
Final Thoughts
While grief is deeply personal and everyone processes it differently, nature offers a timeless source of solace and healing. Whether it’s through the quiet reflection it provides, the reminders of life’s cycles, or the comfort of being part of something greater, nature can be a powerful companion in our journey through loss. In these times, spending time outdoors may not erase the pain, but it can help us find moments of peace, healing, and ultimately, renewal.
At GreenAcres, you’re never alone. You can find a range of helpful blog posts to guide you through your grief over on our website.
Our monthly bereavement cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you. You will find a kind, supportive space with understanding from others who are also living life after loss. We provide additional resources including a collection of grief books and signposting information to other bereavement organisations. Find out more here.