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, B Matthews 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 B Matthews 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?

B Matthews 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

I cannot praise Marie at the Shirley Branch highly enough. She helped me organise my husbands funeral recently and did an amazing job. She took all the stress and worry away and was always on hand to answer my questions. I would highly recommend this…

Christine Jones

Google

I can highly recommend B Matthews Funeral Directors. I have nothing but praise especially for Samantha who was exceptional, kind caring and professional and whose attention to detail ensured my Aunty was honoured in exactly the way I wished. Helen who was the funeral director…

Louise Nicoll

Google

Sam at the woolston branch was an absolute gem, her dedication to making sure the funeral went to plan, every detail we asked for was met, when Dad was brought into the care of Matthews he was looked after and when we went to see…

Eunice weatherley

Much Loved

I cannot possibly thank B Matthews enough for their kind, professional and caring service. Samantha was exceptional in everything she did for us from the moment of my Aunty's passing to the funeral and afterwards. The funeral service was everything we wished for our beloved…

Louise Nicoll

Google

Not long ago my mum passed away and they made it amazing, Mum had a brilliant send off. I want to thank Sam who made our day a bit more bearable and the 2 drivers/pull bearers. So thank you for everything.

Lynda West

Much Loved

Sam (from B Matthews Woolston) was an incredible support with the planning of my mums funeral. Sam showed patience and kindness throughout the process and my Father and I never felt rushed or that any request was too much. Sam was always timely and professional…

Fran Wilson

Much Loved

I would not hesitate to recommend B Matthews Funeral Directors. Samantha Appleton's kindness, support, and organization to us all made it so easy to put our fathers funeral together even though we changed our mind on his Order of Service completely two days before the…

Yvonne Forsythe-Brown

Google

A pleasure to work with Sam at the Woolston branch of B Matthews, and the opportunity to write and lead a wonderful ceremony for a beautiful lady. Clear communications and contact when needed. Also a pleasure to work with Helen, the Funeral Director, on the…

Tina Woodcock

Much Loved

I simply cannot speak highly enough about these people. Absolutely on-point with everything including a beautiful blend of professionalism and empathy. In short, they made a terrible time, so much easier and that was priceless. Thank you.…

Gavin Mulholland

Google

Tim and everyone else involved at B Matthews Funeral Directors were just wonderful in every way. Their gentleness, kindness, sympathy and inclusive approach towards my mum and the family was so evident from the moment they came to the house to the funeral. We are…

sarah martin

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 023 8044 7965 visit branch or arrange a home visit