Green burials?

I went to a funeral of a Welsh lady and she was buried in a coffin made from wicker, surrounded by daffodils. She wasn't Christian and I have to say it felt a bit Druidic but it suited her personality. Everyone there put another daffodil round her coffin afterwards.

There is a ‘Green Burial Guide’ on line that might help you, also to tell your Funeral Directors, I think there are guidelines for them as well.
I expect though that each burial site has its own way of conducting the ceremony.

There are lovely green burial sites where you can choose a plot and some allow you to plant a tree. When I went to a burial service we had it in the little chapel and then went to the plot where we wrote little messages and put them in the grave. Then the children let off balloons. We had a few words said by the nun who was a friend of the deceased and then we all wandered back through the trees. It was a site near Bristol but I think there are many now around the country. sorry for your loss CabbieX

Yes, there are two such sites within 20 miles and I have found out what I can from their websites so far. Also my Vicar has done some, so that is a good start.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Cabbie - I hope you have friends/family nearby to help you where needed and for support.

I would start with your vicar regarding the service. The burials I have been to were led by lay people.
One rained quite a bit.
We took brollies abd the funeral director provided some too.
I actually liked that it rained and we got a bit wet. It was visceral and emotional.

I have been to three "Green burial" sites - all different. I'd suggest you visit to take a look at the options available if you can.

None involved a lot of walking in the ones I have seen.

Thinking of you

We are keen on the felt coffins made in Devon by an acaquaintance of mine. She makes them plain now but can decorate them beautifully if required. Her website has lots of information about burials too: www.bellacouche.com/eco-coffin-alternatives/p/leafcocoon-coffin They can also be sent to anywhere in the UK, I believe.

Flowers for Cabbie21

Have a look online at the Natural Death Centre, they have a list of their approved green burial sites and loads of info. There is also Leadams a biggish but ok company who have 10 or so sites.

My daughter is buried in a woodland burial site but in the meadow part of it. She had a wicker casket which was smothered in all her favourite flowers. You are asked to clear them away within a week so we took them to the wake where two of her friends made them into posies for guests to take home. So much nicer than leaving them to rot.

We were lucky with the weather. It was a glorious day and the service was a toned down Cristian version with just the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing at the end. The celebrant was recommended by a friend whose husband is also buried there. DD’s elder son did the eulogy, her younger son read a beautiful poem and her sister cheered everyone up with anecdotes of their childhood. We provided our own music through a blue tooth speaker. During silent moments we were comforted by the piercing call of stone curlews on the gentle breeze. I picked a few wild flowers to press so I could make a framed memento. Not sure if it was allowed though.

The weather was my main concern and we were lucky. DH’s ashes are now scattered there but the weather was awful on that day. It’s a chance you have to take.

Merlotgran, that sounds like a beautiful day for your daughter's funeral (I hope this is not an insensitive comment).

I hope you get everything sorted as you want it Cabbie21, there is a lot of help out there.

Thank you. I have been following up online, and will take the advice to visit very soon. There are four within 20 miles, but two are very new.

Thank you, HousePlantQueen. Not insensitive at all.

I would definitely visit, Cabbie and make a list of the questions you want to ask. New ones may not have been fully planted up which means it could take years before a peaceful, natural setting is achieved. Ask for details of land management, especially with regard to tree planting and maintenance.

I hope you find exactly what you are looking for.

There is a site near us, a wicker casket and an informal ceremony, Ive been to a couple, no real difference similar cost, wake afterwards, no memorial.

Thanks for all the very useful pointers. I have discovered two more sites, a bit closer, so I have got an appointment to visit one later today.

I shall have one of these coffins - made by Hainsworth in Yorkshire.

www.naturallegacy.co.uk/products/

They are truly beautiful. Sufficiently coffin-like but soft and strangely "welcoming".

I was at the factory years ago when they had not been making them for long. I watched the construction and felt how fleecy soft they were.
Really lovely.