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Guidelines for coffin / urn materials
Yealmpton Woodland Burial Association was
established for people who have a care for our natural
environment. We have taken great care to preserve the beauty of
the meadow and developing woodland so that it can be appreciated
by all. For this reason we ask that coffins and urns be made
from materials that have been recycled or are from a renewable
source, such as soft wood, willow or bamboo. These materials
return to the soil as nature intended and do not impede the
growth of seedlings or saplings that will be planted in memory
of those who are buried here. We encourage each member to plant
a native tree or shrub from a list of indigenous species, so
that each burial can contribute towards the creation of the new
woodland. When all the trees have been planted the burial ground
will be managed as woodland for ever.
We also ask that no embalming fluids, metals or
plastics of any kind be brought onto the Ground. Members of the
Association undertake to ensure that everything brought is
biodegradable and/or made from a renewable source.
Many funeral directors will offer a range of
coffins made from polished hardwood. We do not consider this use
of hardwood to be appropriate or sustainable. Instead we
encourage you to use a coffin (or shroud) made from a more
bio-degradable source material. Some examples are given below
and, in addition, we refer you to our Supplier leaflet for
further information.
Woven Willow
These can be made to measure. The coffins look
friendly and, with posies of flowers tucked in around the edges,
beautiful.
‘Because willow coffins are not mass produced,
they have their own character and are as individual as each
person’s life.’ Nigel Price, willow coffin maker Chagford.
Bamboo
These coffins look wonderful. The SAWD
partnership in Kent imports them from a place in China where the
workers are paid fair wages. The coffins are packed like Russian
dolls inside each other and sent by sea, so keeping
environmental damage and carriage costs to a minimum.
Shrouds
We welcome burials using only a shroud, such as
those made locally by a Leafshroud. These are made from natural
materials from the beautiful surroundings of Dartmoor and the
Welsh borders. Their wool is chosen for both its softness and
strength. The fleeces are bought from organic farms wherever
possible & selected from flocks of White-faced Widecombe, Devon
Closewool, Hill Radnor, Welsh Mountain and other hill breeds of
sheep. They also use fleece that has been hand-dyed with indigo,
onion skins & madder root. The wool is first needlefelted, then
made into the leafshroud by hand in their Dartmoor workshop.
Papier Maché (‘Ecopods’)
The ultimate in recyclable material, there are
two good suppliers for these coffins that look delightful. The
Ecopod looks beautiful and is a wondrous shape, each one
individually decorated to order. Earthsleeper is made locally in
Lapford, mid Devon, by Andrew Vaccari, in vibrant colours,
peach-soft and irresistible to stroke.
May 2010
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