Forest Burials

Families who choose a woodland burial for their loved ones find solace in being surrounded by a natural environment. It helps them comprehend that loss is a natural part of life and the planet’s life cycle.

Woodland cemeteries vary in character and features. Some sites are dedicated to maturing into woodlands over time, while others are already nestled among mature trees and have been carefully landscaped for their specific purpose.

Alternatively, we can facilitate a green funeral burial on your own land, providing a personal and intimate setting for the farewell.

In woodland and natural burial grounds, graves differ from traditional cemeteries as they are not marked with vertical marble headstones. Instead, graves are either left unmarked (while being logged on plans) or may have a small wooden marker or a horizontal flat engraved natural stone marker.

One notable advantage of these graves is that they do not require the same level of maintenance as traditional graves.

To preserve the natural atmosphere, many woodland and natural burial grounds discourage the placement of items on graves and promote the planting of native trees and plants.

While it may not be feasible to have a tree on each individual grave due to proximity and survival concerns, these cemeteries often designate specific areas where trees and shrubs can be dedicated in memory of a loved one. This ensures a harmonious balance between natural elements and the remembrance of those who have passed.

In many natural and woodland burial grounds, the use of an eco-coffin is required. An eco-coffin is specifically designed to be biodegradable, without any non-degradable metal parts or plastic components.

There is a wide range of eco-coffin options available, including those made from materials such as cardboard, willow, bamboo, wool, seagrass, pandanus and jute. Some burial grounds also accept lambswool shrouds as an alternative.

For those seeking a more traditional aesthetic, we offer wooden coffins crafted from sustainable wood sources.

While it is considered more environmentally friendly if the deceased has not been embalmed, it is important to note that embalmed bodies are still accepted in these natural burial grounds. We respect your choices and ensure that all arrangements align with your preferences, including eco-friendly considerations.

I cannot express enough gratitude to Eco Funerals for their exceptional service and commitment to eco-friendly practices. They guided us through the entire funeral planning process with compassion and care, offering a range of environmentally sustainable options. Their attention to detail in sourcing biodegradable coffins and promoting green burial practices was truly remarkable. The team at Eco Funerals created a beautiful and meaningful farewell for our loved one, while respecting our desire to minimise our impact on the environment. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a green and thoughtful approach to funerals.

Emily Johnson

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to Eco Funerals for their outstanding dedication to environmentally conscious funeral services. Their commitment to using sustainable materials, such as bamboo and wool, for coffins is commendable. They provided us with personalised guidance and support, ensuring that our choices aligned with our values. The team at Eco Funerals organised a serene and eco-friendly burial, honouring the memory of our dear departed while also taking care of our planet. Their expertise and compassion made a difficult time more manageable and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking an eco-conscious funeral experience.

David Reynolds

I cannot thank Eco Funerals enough for their genuine care and commitment to creating a green funeral for our beloved family member. Their knowledge and expertise in environmentally friendly practices were evident from the start. They offered a wide selection of eco-coffins made from sustainable materials, allowing us to choose one that truly reflected our loved one’s values. Their attention to detail, from organising a beautiful ceremony in a natural setting to minimising waste was truly remarkable. I highly recommend Eco Funerals to anyone seeking a meaningful and environmentally conscious farewell.

Emma Carter

This is an image of the Woodland Burial Area in Blackley, Australia. A special electric hearse takes the coffin up to the top of the hill where the graves are situated amongst mature trees.

There are breathtaking views of the surrounding Australian landscape. Graves in this area are left natural and unadorned, while offering options for memorial birdboxes or inscribed natural stone plaques.

The funeral service can be held either graveside within the Woodland Burial Area or in one of the chapels at Blackley Cemetery, providing a peaceful and serene setting to honour and remember your loved one.