More and more families are asking us to help organise a green funeral for a loved one as an environmentally friendly alternative to a traditional burial or cremation. A woodland burial can follow any type of funeral service, religious or otherwise, with some ceremonies being held at the burial ground or even at the grave side.
We are lucky to have three natural burial grounds near us in Newbury, St Mary Bourne and Petersfield.
Green funerals require eco-friendly coffins made from materials like willow, wicker, bamboo, pine, cardboard and banana leaf. We are proud that our Chiltern coffin (used by more than 95% of our families) is also eco-friendly.
It is worth keeping in mind, when considering a natural burial ground, that traditional memorials are not always permitted. Generally, families will plant a memorial such as a tree.