Green and Woodland Funerals

Alternative to traditional funerals

There is no standard industry definition of a “green” or “eco” funeral. All funerals will have an environmental impact to some extent, based on all the choices which have been made for the service.

Depending upon your particular preference or environmental concern, there may nevertheless be different choices you can make to personalise your funeral in order to take account of environmental factors.

Woodland Funerals may offer you a setting which meets your needs. We would encourage you to look at the individual woodland burial ground you may be interested in to find out more about the way each burial ground is managed and maintained from an environmental or “green” perspective.

As an alternative to a traditional burial or cremation, James & Thomas Funeral Directors can help you arrange for your loved one’s final resting place to be in a woodland burial ground. These are attractive and peaceful places for you to visit and reflect on your loved one’s life moving forward. Woodland funerals are becoming increasingly popular, as people begin to consider the potential environmental benefits of woodlands funerals over other alternatives.

Woodland burials can still be faith based and many sites have dedicated areas for people of different religions. A wide variety of coffins and ashes caskets are still usually available to select.

Eco friendly funeral FAQs

What happens at a Woodland Funeral?

These burials are often not marked with a headstone, rather a tree or flowers that often become indistinguishable in the woodland. Some natural burial grounds offer the opportunity to add a memorial tree to mark your loved one’s resting place.

At the graveside there is usually a short committal ceremony, if desired, and flowers can still be placed as long as there is no cellophane or ribbon. Some venues have onsite dedicated service rooms and chapels that can be used before or after the funeral for a service that is created to reflect your wishes and those of the deceased.

If you would like to explore the possibility of arranging a woodland burial, your Funeral Arranger here at James & Thomas Funeral Directors can help you find a natural burial ground near you.

Coffin Range

We offer a wide range of coffins, from picture coffins, wooden, wicker, wool and cardboard coffins to caskets.

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Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

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Need advice?

James & Thomas Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Latest Reviews

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Wonderful. It was so difficult losing my Mum just before Christmas but Julie and the team were so lovely. There was so much warmth and empathy. The funeral was a lovely and everything went so smoothly. We were in such good hands. Thankyou. Very highly…

Sarah Gorrell

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Although a very sad and difficult time, much of the worry and uncertainty was lifted from my shoulders by the extremely caring and efficient Liz at Cobham office. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she helped craft the perfect funeral for my late…

Elizabeth Thurston

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Chris in the Horsley office was very understanding, helpful and professional

Nick Roberts

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We recently used Julie and her team for my mother’s funeral and they couldn’t have been kinder or more professional. At every step Julie walked us through the process with so much warmth and understanding. She was always available for any questions, from the initial…

Frances Barker

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James and Thomas Funeral Directors were beyond wonderful in every aspect of under-taking the role of managing both a death and the bereaved. Staff were kind, empathic and gave us time to make important decisions. They were knowledgeable and gentle in presenting options yet allowing…

L

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We had a really lovely experience with James and Thomas’ arrangements for our Mother’s funeral. Julie was sensitive, professional, thorough and thoughtful throughout. Everything on the day went like clockwork. And while it was a sad time we really felt that our Mother would have…

James Watson

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Chris Bertram was extremely helpful and communicated clearly and sensitively. The staff who were present at the funeral/committal were very professional. We would have no hesitation recommending James & Thomas to others.

Tim Pullen

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Julie at the Merrow branch was superb. She was organised, patient, knowledgeable and compassionate. She spent a lot of time answering my various questions and was very supportive. When Julie was on annual leave, Anne from another branch stepped in to help with the order…

Esme Spinks

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Feeling very vulnerable after the passing of our dear mother, we felt extremely fortunate to meet Julie at James & Thomas Merrow. In the hands of these funeral directors, our family found peace and dignity. Their service was marked by grace, professionalism, and empathy. I…

Kim Shackleton

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We were entirely satisfied with the services provided by the Merrow branch of James and Thomas Funeral Directors. We found dealing with Julie Brown, the director, extremely reassuring and she provided us with excellent professional service that was both compassionate and well managed. She was…

Alison Wilson

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

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We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01932 862 009 visit branch or arrange a home visit