Award-Winning Natural Burial Ground | The Windmills Voted Best Two Years Running

In just five short years, The Windmills Natural Green Burial in Northamptonshire has become one of the most respected natural burial grounds in the UK. What began in 2020 as a heartfelt response to the need for compassionate, eco-conscious farewells has grown into a site consistently recognised for extraordinary care, empathy, and support to bereaved families

A People’s Choice — Not Just a Title

The Windmills has been voted “Best Natural Burial Ground” two years running (2023 & 2024) and was runner-up three times (2022, 2025, 2025) — an incredible achievement in such a short time. These accolades come from The Natural Death Centre’s People’s Awards, the UK’s only annual awards based on direct feedback from families who have experienced the site’s care firsthand. 

Unlike some industry awards that judge facilities or land size, the People’s Awards are grounded in personal experience. Families who choose natural burial at Windmills complete feedback forms sent to The Natural Death Centre — all commenting on the compassion, professionalism, emotional support, and personal touches offered during bereavement. Judges then review these family-submitted forms to determine regional and national winners.

🌼 What This Award Really Means

The Natural Death Centre (NDC) is a respected UK charity dedicated to improving public awareness of end-of-life choices, including environmentally conscious funerals and natural burial. Each year, the NDC invites families to complete detailed feedback forms about their experiences with natural burial grounds. These responses assess:

• Compassion and sensitivity of staff

• Quality of communication and support

• Flexibility and personalisation of services

• Overall experience during bereavement

• Care of the land and environmental integrity

  
  

✔ Recognition by the people who matter most. This is not an award handed down by a committee alone — it’s a reflection of heartfelt gratitude from families who felt truly supported at one of life’s most painful moments.

✔ Customer care that sets Windmills apart. The feedback forms that make these awards possible focus heavily on the human side of the experience — from the emotional support given by staff, to the attention to detail in personalised services that help families feel understood, comforted, and valued.

✔ A symbol of trust and compassion. To win this award twice, and to be runner-up multiple times, illustrates the depth of connection that families have found at The Windmills — not just a beautiful setting, but a place where care, empathy and exceptional service genuinely matter.

🌱Why This Award Matters So Deeply

At The Windmills, we understand that families come to us during one of life’s most painful moments. To be recognised two years running as Best Natural Burial Ground — and runner-up on three further occasions — demonstrates that families have felt:

• Heard

• Supported

• Genuinely cared for

• Guided with compassion

  
  

This consistency, especially within our first five years of operation, is a huge honour.

It confirms that our commitment to personal, unhurried, and thoughtful care is making a difference when it matters most.

🌟 What Comes Next

This recognition is more than just a badge — it’s a testament to consistent, compassionate service and a reminder of why natural burial matters. In an age where many seek meaningful, environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional funerals, The Windmills leads the way with heart, dignity, and a deep connection to both people and place