When it comes to burial options, many people may believe that it’s a choice between a traditional cemetery burial or cremation. While these two options are popular across a range of faiths and beliefs, woodland burials are increasing in popularity year on year.
Also known as natural or eco funerals, woodland burials are an environmentally friendly way in which to be laid to rest. Those who are conscious of the environmental implications of traditional burials or cremations may find woodland burials to be a more suitable option.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at woodland burials. We will consider the differences between them and more traditional options, what is and isn’t allowed, and why they are more environmentally friendly. At Gillotts, we are working with a growing number of families whose loved ones wish to have a woodland burial after their death.
What Is a Woodland Burial?
Put simply, it is a greener means of burial that allows your body to decompose naturally. A woodland burial has a less negative impact on the environment. Instead, it supports the local environment by allowing your body to become one with the earth.
Woodland burials harken back to a more simplistic time. It is growing in popularity across people of different religious beliefs and none. Choosing to be buried in a peaceful woodland full of flora and fauna is a wonderful option. Particularly so for anyone who has an appreciation for the earth, the environment, and its fragility.
How to Arrange a Woodland Burial?
If you are planning a woodland funeral, simply reach out to us here at Gillotts and we will help you to arrange everything. There are a number of beautiful woodland burial sites in our local areas of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
We also provide a range of wicker coffins and environmentally friendly coffins. They use materials such as bamboo, wool, and pine, that are perfect for a woodland burial.
Is Embalming Allowed?
While embalming may be common for traditional burials in cemeteries, embalming is generally not permitted for woodland burials. Embalming a person with embalming fluid helps to perverse their body and slow down the process of decay.
Bodies that are not embalmed will decompose easier, which supports the surrounding environment. A woodland burial supports the absorption of chemicals and gases from the deceased into the earth around them.
What Are the Casket Options?
Woodland burials are typically more environmentally conscious. Traditional coffins can include synthetic materials that are not considered suitable.
As we have mentioned above, we provide a range of excellent coffins, using a range of natural materials that will decompose within the earth.
Are Headstones Allowed?
Generally, rather than a traditional headstone, a grave is marked with the planting of a memorial tree. A simple plaque may also be used to mark the location.
Due to the environmental implications of quarrying stone and the needed to transport it, woodland burials tend to support more nature-friendly commemorations.
What Is the Service Like?
The honest answer is: however you would like.
There is a lot of flexibility for woodland burials, depending on the individual’s wishes. A church service could precede the burial if the person was of a particular faith. In other cases, small gatherings in the woodland allow for a peaceful and tranquil space in which to say goodbye.
What Are the Costs?
The exact cost will depend on a range of factors. These include the purchase of the plot, celebrant and gravedigging fees, funeral director fees, transport, and flowers.
Given the rising cost of traditional burial plots and the expense of a casket, woodland burials can cost less while having a more positive impact on the environment. If you would like to understand more about the costs, contact a member of our team today.
What Are the Environmental Benefits?
A woodland burial is an excellent way to support the environment as you return to the earth. The environmental impact of cremation is considerable, given the need to operate a cremator for a number of hours at a high temperature.
According to the Environment Agency, cremation is responsible for around 16% of mercury pollution in the United Kingdom (due to dental fillings).
Traditional wooden coffins, given the materials used in their production, are not as environmentally friendly as the natural materials generally used in woodland burials.
By avoiding embalming and a traditional coffin, our bodies can decompose faster. This supports the environment around us. Woodland burials support the local flora and fauna, helping to preserve the natural world for generations to come.
Here is a breakdown of the benefits of woodland burials:
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable & dignified
- No pollution compared to cremation
- Advocates biodegradable coffins
- Small footprint compared to traditional graveyards
- Range of options for services
- Supports local flora and fauna
Consider a Natural, Environmentally-Friendly Woodland Burial
More and more people around the United Kingdom are electing to be buried in woodland, making a conscious decision to support the environment. By forgoing some of the traditional elements of a burial, many people are ensuring that their final footprint on this earth is a green one.
At Gillotts, we are proud to work with you or a loved one to organise a woodland burial in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. We also provide a range of appropriate casket options made using natural materials.
To learn more about woodland burials, please feel free to contact our team. We will be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.