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, Alfred Smith 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 Alfred Smith 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?

Alfred Smith 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 experience from start to finish. You feel as if you are talking to life long friends. Incredibly understanding and kind. Would recommend them to anyone needing their services. Jackie and Gill in southwark were both fantastic can’t fault either of these ladies. Thanking for…

Lisa Frampton

Google

Gill & Katie were stars, they were a great help from start to finish. I would happily recommend Alfred Smith to family & friends.

Beardy McMetalFace

Google

I and my partner recently arranged my mother's funeral with Alfred Smith Funeral Directors and really could not be more pleased and grateful for the service I received. Gill was so lovely and kind and explained everything clearly to us and didn't pressure us into…

Rebecca Finch

Much Loved

All I can say is a Great Big thank you to Jackie Bobby and the team. Jackie was fantastic she did everything for me made it really easy as I had never done anything like this Before but she was really great, I would tell…

Danny Daniels

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I recently had a funeral with Smiths for my brother Ron and the service I received was fantastic. Jackie in particular I can't thank enough. She was extremely helpful, every question I asked she was able to answer. On the day of the funeral Bobby…

Danny Daniels

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Jackie, the lady we dealt with at the Great Suffolk Street branch explained everything to us at the start. She could answer all our questions and was so natural she made us feel very much at ease under the circumstances. On the day of the…

Daniel Hewetson

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When I entered Alfred Smith funeral director, after the untimely death of my son, I felt a little rushed. I think there was a need by the person to be at another branch. However, apart from this, the service was exemplary. Courteous, kind and respectful…

Diane White

Much Loved

Very kind, understanding and attentive throughout. They made a difficult occasion easier to bear. The whole team from Jackie in the office to hearse and following car drivers were sensitive and professional. Steve, the humanist celebrant, did an excellent job at leading the service.…

Helen Green

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Alfred Smith were given to us by our loved one who had organised a funeral plan during his life. We didn't know them previously but must say that we are very happy with the service we received. Their approach was very human and down to…

Lisa Willoughby

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We would like to thank Smiths and in particular "Jackie" for her kindness and help with the organising of the funeral for our dear friend (father, brother & cousin). Her friendly approach made this difficult time that bit easier. Smiths have dealt with the family…

Bernadette Pozan

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 020 7928 5377 visit branch or arrange a home visit