Nestled in the rolling countryside, Tithe Green is not your typical burial ground. It’s a place where sunlight dances through young woodland, birdsong replaces the silence of grief, and loss finds space to breathe and gently transform. At the heart of this sanctuary are Helena and James, the husband-and-wife team who have made it their life’s work to reimagine how we say goodbye.
For James, the land is part of his DNA—his family’s connection to the estate spans over five centuries. “It’s a privilege and a responsibility,” he reflects. “We’re custodians of this land for the next generation. Our goal is to leave it better than we found it—both ecologically and financially.”
But the soul of Tithe Green traces back not just to the land itself, but to James’ grandmother. “She was a pioneer,” he says. “Not just as a woman managing a large estate, but for having the foresight to start one of the UK’s first green burial sites. Her entrepreneurial spirit is still with us—we feel it every time we introduce a new idea or talk to someone about natural burial.”
Their shared journey into the business, though rooted in heritage, was also a natural meeting of minds. Helena, with a strong background in consumer marketing, brought new energy to the brand. “We realised we had complementary skills,” she explains. “I had insight into people, how they think and feel—and James had this deep connection to the land. Together, it just worked.”
Tithe Green is more than just a burial site; it’s a philosophy. Their approach to natural burial is both ecological and deeply human. “For us, it’s about comfort and healing,” says Helena.
“There’s something so powerful about using nature to help families through grief. These are beautiful, peaceful places that people want to come back to.”
Indeed, the environment plays a central role in what they offer. “It’s a beautiful place to just sit and be,” says James. “To hear the birds, the insects, and feel part of something living. Families bring picnic blankets, children play. It’s not solemn in the way people expect—it’s full of life.”
There’s no such thing as a typical day at Tithe Green. The couple speak warmly about their hands-on approach. “Some days we’re helping someone locate a grave or just having a chat,” James says. “Other times we’re coordinating something totally unique—like bringing a coffin in on a steam traction engine. It keeps us on our toes.”
But beneath the variety is a consistent thread: respect. “We’re here to help in whatever way we can,” Helena says simply. “And that help can take so many forms.”
As the demand for natural burial grows, so too does their vision. “We’re working on five new sites across the UK,” says James. “Our mission is to make this accessible, to bring a trusted, professional approach to natural burial. When people are vulnerable, they should be able to rely on us.”
The stories that come from Tithe Green are as varied as the people who pass through its gates. “We’ve seen families carry their loved one in a camper van, in a horse-drawn carriage, even a Star Wars-themed procession complete with Darth Vader,” Helena smiles. “It’s always deeply personal. We’ve had requests to include a bacon butty in the coffin. These moments stay with you.”
Working so closely with death has changed their perspective on life. “It’s taught us that even small acts of care make a difference,” says Helena. “You don’t have to be surrounded by sadness—grief can exist in a space that’s gentle, supportive, even beautiful.”
Of course, not every step has been easy. The growing trend toward direct cremations, often with no ceremony, has posed a challenge—but also an opportunity. “People still want to mark a life,” says James. “We offer a way to do that—with a quiet ceremony for the ashes, a space to return to. That matters.”
Looking ahead, both believe that green burials represent the future. “They’re environmentally friendly, more affordable, and deeply meaningful,” James says. “There’s really no downside. But awareness is still a barrier. Our job now is to educate—so that people know they have a choice.”
Their advice for others seeking to blend heritage with innovation? “Find something you love and grow it organically,” says Helena. “That passion shines through, and it leads to something truly excellent.”
And when asked what they’d like to say to the families who choose Tithe Green as a final resting place, the message is simple.
“You can trust us.”
For further information, please get in touch with the team at Tithe Green.
Tithe Green
Visitors welcome, anytime, every day.
For further details, call: 01623 677100
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www.tithegreen.com
All imagery courtesy of Tithe Green.
