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, Douglas Mercer & Son 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 Douglas Mercer & Son 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.

View coffins

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.

View pricing

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.

View plans

Need advice?

Douglas Mercer & Son 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.

Contact us

Latest Reviews

Google

I would like to thank Douglas Mercer & Son for the compassion, empathy and professionalism they showed towards all our family during such a heartbreaking time. We have trusted them with both of our parents' funeral arrangements and cannot recommend them highly enough. Molly has…

Anita Ivimy

Google

We would like to thank Douglas Mercer for the personal and professional services we received. Nothing was too much trouble and even the little things we requested were carried out. We are grateful for the ease in which the process was completed and this resulted…

Jeannine

Google

We received such a professional and personal service from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble. The team were all so friendly, polite, supportive and respectful. The Orders of Service were so professional and a wonderful tribute. We are so thankful to all of…

Nicola Thorne

Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We cannot thank Mercer’s Funeral Directors enough for their compassion and professionalism during such a difficult time. From the very beginning, we felt completely supported and cared for as a family. A special thank you to Molly, who was incredibly attentive, patient, and understanding…

Susie Thomas

Google

Molly, Nick and the team gave us a great service from the first point of contact and every step of our journey. They were always clear and precise with their communication and guided us through this hard time with dignity and respect. Their kindness shone…

martin gurney

Google

I have to say that I was extremely impressed by Molly and her team at Douglas Mercer & Son. Molly took full control of our funeral arrangements to provide us with the excellent support and guidance throughout. Molly was extremely efficient and very professional helping…

philippe Wrigley

Google

The team at Mercers were very supportive throughout, making arrangements was straightforward. On the day of the funeral everything was as requested, vehicles and staff very well presented and took care of us all. Would recommend reviewing services on their web site before your first…

Leon Hall

Much Loved

I found the service was fine but my mother had a prepaid funeral plan and yet I had to pay an extra £560.00. I accepted this but when I advised that we would not need the close family funeral car we were told that they…

Kevin Nye

Much Loved

The Help and Guidance I received during the funeral arrangement process was excellent especially from Jane. The staff were helpful and supportive on the day of the Funeral, and the funeral service was as I had wished it to be.…

Barbara Jacobs

Much Loved

The process was handled well and though small in attendance all family felt warmth of the service. Pity about the reverend who seemed very confused over the details I had prepared, but a lovely man. All the paperwork dealt with by my sister was clear…

Kim marie Williams

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.

Learn more

Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

muchloved

View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

View funeral notices

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01424 421 805 visit branch or arrange a home visit