Ethical Coffins, Urns and Shrouds

In order for the nature reserve to thrive, we accept only biodegradable and environmentally-friendly coffins, urns and shrouds.  A growing selection of beautifully crafted coffins and urns are now available through us or any good funeral director. These range from the simple and wholly affordable to very elaborate and ornate luxury products. If you have any queries, get in touch.

They include coffins made of wicker (willow), bamboo, pineapple weed and other tropical grasses, recycled paper and cardboard. All are made without the use of unnecessary bolts, screws, toxic glues and varnishes. They can be colourful or natural, decorated, covered in cloth or flowers, or absolutely simple.

For religious or any other reasons, we are more than happy for someone to be interred in the beautiful simplicity of a shroud.    

Companies listed here are a selection of what is available. A good funeral director will be able to find these for you. Some of these companies only deal with funeral directors, not selling to the public. All will provide infant, baby and child sized coffins and most sell urns for cremated remains.

Willow, Bamboo and Grasses

Daisy Coffins are makers of coffins crafted of banana leaf or water hyacinth leaves. 
http://www.daisycoffins.com

Ecoffins are one of the older companies selling willow, bamboo and wild pineapple coffins. They also sell pine and pine/bamboo combinations. These are all imported, but using ethical transport. They only deal with co-operatives and certified fair trade.
http://www.ecoffins.co.uk

Heaven to Earth make willow coffins in a tight weave with a polished finish.
http://www.earthtoheaven.co.uk

Somerset Willow make high quality English willow coffins.
http://www.wickerwillowcoffins.co.uk

Solid Wood

Colourful Coffins, based in Oxford, offer specially painted coffins, with any choice of design or photograph printed onto the coffin. They can do this with solid unvarnished pine for a natural burial ground.
http://www.oxfordcoffins.com

Environmental Coffins are based in Olney, Northamptonshire. They do wicker and cardboard coffins, but their solid oak coffins is what inspires me to list them in this catagory. An environmentally-aware company.
http://www.environmentalcoffins.com

Card and Papier Maché

Compakta Eco Coffins are one of the original, simple, low-cost cardboard coffins makers.
http://www.eco-coffin.co.uk

Ecopod make a range of extraordinary coffins made of papier maché which are well worth exploring. They are more expensive, but utterly unique. Their cremated remains urn in the shape of an acorn is very affordable and popular.
http://ecopod.co.uk

Greenfield Creations make very strong cardboard coffins which can be decorated to order with any chosen design.
http://www.greenfieldcreations.co.uk

The coffin pictured is from Somerset Willow.