Green and Woodland Funerals
In recent years the popularity of Green Funerals has risen markedly. The most common type of service is that of the Woodland Burial and this can be offered locally at the Oakfield Wood Woodland Burials site in Wrabness alongside the bank of the River Stour between Harwich and Manningtree. As well as woodland burial services the site also accommodates interment of cremated remains within the grounds.
For each burial and interment, a native broadleaf tree is planted as a contribution to the balance of nature and a hardwood memorial name plaque placed to mark the location.
The Oakfield Wood site is managed in accordance with a scheme approved by Wildlife Trusts and the local authority to ensure its development as a nature reserve and sanctuary for the benefit of wildlife and insects.
The Wrabness site also offers unrestricted access for visitors to the burial ground. The site never closes and can be visited whenever family or friends choose.
As well as a woodland burial, it is also possible to select an environmentally friendly coffin to form part of either a woodland service or a more traditional burial or cremation. There are a range of products available and modern environmentally friendly coffins are usually crafted from 100% natural biodegradable products, with coffin panels woven onto a sustainably sourced wooden frame ensuring a robust coffin that will not sag.
Common materials used include Seagrass, Banana Leaf, Bamboo, Water Hyacinth or Wicker.