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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Featured Reviews

Google

we cannot commend julie & sue our celebrant highly enough for the beautiful funeral they crafted for my husband.using our input they put together the perfect send off we had hoped for.thank you ladies.

Michael Coppinger

Google

At such a very sad time, the service provided was thoughtful, personal. Chris Bertram at the Horsley Branch was particularly helpful and supportive.

Judith Brewster

Google

Made my wife's funeral a celebration of life that will be remembered and commented on by all who attended as a fitting tribute to a life well lived. Rest in Peace Susan

Adrian Whyte

Google

I had never had to organise a cremation or funeral service before. I chose James & Thomas (Horsley in my case) based on positive reviews that I saw online. Chris was first class, helping me and my father to navigate the cremation process, order of…

Nick Wilson

Google

James & Thomas and particularly Anne Rowe could not have been more helpful, caring, organised and efficient in arranging both of my parents funerals. Anne helped with all aspects of the funeral from start to finish and Sam and his team looked after us all…

Mark Batterson

Google

I cannot fault the service that I received from Anita and her team after my father's death. Her compassion and efficiency were a huge help and comfort at a very sad time. Update - Nearly ten years on from my father’s funeral, we again used…

Tim Martin

Google

Aileen was just wonderful - so helpful, kind and understanding. I couldn’t have had my mum (and dads) funeral the way I wanted without her. Thank you so much Aileen - you are the best!…

vanessa tait

Google

Liz was the lady who organised all for your company & I must say was first class, very approachable & understanding. Lynne took the service & again was first class & again so understanding. Both were so friendly, but at the same time very professional.…

Gary Martin

Google

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

Google

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

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