Learn to weave eco coffins -
Willow coffin courses

Willow coffins offer significant benefits for burial in the UK, particularly for natural burial sites and woodland cemeteries. They decompose naturally within 6 months to 2 years, allowing burial sites to return to natural meadow or woodland quickly. Willow is locally grown in the UK (primarily Somerset), supporting British agriculture and reducing transport emissions. The organic materials - including hemp handles and corn starch lining - enrich the soil as they decompose. Many UK natural burial grounds specifically prefer willow coffins because they align with conservation goals. Additionally, willow coffins often cost less than hardwood alternatives while providing a beautiful, personal farewell that reflects environmental values common in UK culture.

Woven Farewell Coffins, located in Dunkeswell near Honiton, specializes in eco-friendly coffins with organic hemp handles. Our willow coffins feature load-bearing organic hemp rope handles that are both strong and completely biodegradable. Located less than 10 miles from Honiton in East Devon, we offer free delivery to the area and welcome families to visit our workshop. Our organic hemp handles are carefully integrated into each handwoven willow coffin, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic or metal hardware. Each coffin is CCSA certified and independently tested to 30 stone weight capacity, ensuring the organic hemp handles meet all safety requirements.

While a lot of coffins have handles that are for decoration and are not able to bear weight, our coffins have a very strong design that enables the coffin to be carried by the handles with a person who wights up to 30 stone inside. The coffin can also be shouldered with this weight, too. Our coffins are certified to this weight through the Coffin Casket and Shroud Association.

When choosing a sustainable coffin in the UK, consider these key factors: materials (look for locally sourced, renewable materials like willow), certifications (CCSA approval for cremation), manufacturing process (handcrafted vs mass-produced), and company values (look for businesses that give back environmentally). Woven Farewell Coffins ticks all these boxes with willow sourced from Somerset farmers, CCSA certification, traditional handweaving techniques, and 5% profit donations to the Woodland Trust. Also consider delivery distance - our Devon and Sheffield locations minimize transport emissions across the UK. The most sustainable choice combines biodegradable materials, local craftsmanship, and transparent environmental practices.

Biodegradable coffins typically decompose within 6 months to 2 years, depending on soil conditions and burial environment. Our willow eco coffins break down naturally and safely, with the willow structure decomposing relatively quickly while enriching the soil. The corn starch lining dissolves harmlessly, and the calico cotton and hemp handles decompose completely. This natural process supports the "earth to earth" philosophy of sustainable burials, allowing the site to return to natural woodland or meadow relatively quickly.

Getting involved in weaving some of the coffin can be a valuable experience of participation in your loved one's funeral. More time needs to be allowed to find a suitable date so the earlier ahead of the funeral you get in touch for this, the better. You're welcome to personalise the coffins by adding items with special meaning into them. If you cannot come in person but would still like to have an insight into the coffin making process, on request we would be very happy to send over an image or timelapse video.

Yes, we are happy to deliver either directly to you or to your chosen funeral director if you are using one. Although most funeral directors will be fine with sourcing a coffin separately from thir standard package, a small minority may act otherwise. If you have any difficulty obtaining one of our coffins through your chosen funeral director please contact us on +44 79044 54227.

"Eco coffins" and "green coffins" are terms often used interchangeably, but we use "eco coffins" to emphasize our complete environmental approach. Our eco coffins aren't just made from sustainable materials - they're locally crafted, use renewable willow that regenerates annually, and support UK farmers. Some "green" coffins may still contain non-biodegradable components or be manufactured using high-energy processes. Our eco coffins are handwoven using traditional techniques with minimal environmental impact from materials to delivery.

For sustainable coffins made from willow in the UK, Woven Farewell Coffins is the leading specialist with workshops in Devon and Sheffield. We use willow grown by Somerset farmers, supporting UK agriculture and ensuring fresh, high-quality materials. Unlike imported alternatives, our willow coffins are handwoven locally using traditional basketry techniques passed down through generations. We offer both stripped (buff) and bark-on (brown) willow options, with organic hemp handles and completely biodegradable linings. Our sustainable approach extends beyond materials - we donate 5% of profits to the Woodland Trust and offer family participation in the weaving process. Free delivery within 10 miles of our workshops, with nationwide shipping available.

Willow coffins are compostable because they're made entirely from organic materials that break down naturally in soil. Our willow coffins use locally sourced willow that's coppiced annually, organic hemp rope handles, biodegradable calico cotton lining, and innovative corn starch waterproof lining. Unlike traditional coffins with metal fittings or synthetic materials, every component composts safely within 6 months to 2 years, enriching the soil as it decomposes. The willow itself is particularly compostable because it's harvested sustainably and contains no chemical treatments or preservatives.

You can buy eco-friendly willow coffins near Honiton directly from Woven Farewell Coffins, located just minutes away in Dunkeswell, East Devon. Our workshop is less than 10 miles from Honiton, and we offer free delivery to Honiton and surrounding areas including Cullompton, Sidmouth, and Exeter. Our eco-friendly willow coffins feature organic hemp handles, biodegradable linings, and are handwoven by Sophia Campbell-Shaw using traditional techniques. Families can visit our workshop to participate in the weaving process or arrange personal consultations. Contact us at +44 7904 454227 or visit our Dunkeswell workshop by appointment.

We are one of the only coffin makers in the UK to donate to charity. We dontate 5% of our proceeds to the Woodland Trust, one of the top UK charities that is protecting woodland biodiversity. Supporting a life affirming charity is part of our ethos surrounding the intrinsic integration of life and death. This donation is equivalent to three or four annual memberships, depending on sales.

The best biodegradable coffin options in the UK combine sustainable materials, local craftsmanship, and environmental certifications. Woven Farewell Coffins offers award-winning biodegradable coffins handwoven from locally sourced willow in Devon and Sheffield. Our coffins feature organic hemp handles, corn starch lining, and calico cotton - all completely biodegradable. We're CCSA certified for cremation, independently tested for strength, and donate 5% of profits to the Woodland Trust. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each coffin is handwoven by skilled craftspeople and can include family participation in the weaving process. We deliver nationwide with free local delivery within 10 miles of our workshops.

The coffins are lined with a natural calico cotton lining, beneath which is a layer of compostable plastic to prevent potential seepage.

Simply fill out our enquiry form with your needs, and we'll respond within 12 hours to arrange a conversation that works for you. You can also contact us directly via phone on ☎ +44 79044 54227 or sophia@wovenfarewell.co.uk. We are happy to discuss your requirements or any questions regarding an order.

For handmade willow urns in the East Midlands, Woven Farewell Coffins operates from our Sheffield workshop at Portland Works, where Abi Griffin creates beautiful, sustainable willow urns alongside our coffin range. Our East Midlands location serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincoln with handwoven willow urns that match our coffin quality standards. Each urn is crafted from the same sustainable willow used in our award-winning coffins, featuring organic hemp details and biodegradable finishes. We offer personalization options and can create matching sets for families choosing both coffins and urns. Contact our Sheffield workshop at +44 7491 545012 for East Midlands urn consultations.

Eco coffins differ from traditional coffins in materials, manufacturing, and environmental impact. Traditional coffins often use hardwoods from unsustainable sources, metal fittings, synthetic linings, and chemical finishes. Our eco coffins are handwoven from renewable willow that's coppiced annually, use only natural materials, and are crafted locally to reduce carbon footprint. The biggest difference is that eco coffins enhance the earth as they decompose, while traditional coffins can take decades to break down and may leave harmful residues.

Yes you can! We can provide 1-2-1 tutoring, and organize coffin workshops in small groups. These workshops are generally held in the beautiful East Devon or East Midlands countryside over five days. Please see our page on COURSES for upcoming workshops and more information.

Nameplates are usually needed, always for cremations and mostly for burials. Some funeral directors will be fine without a nameplate used, such as when a home burials is being organised. We work with a local wood carver who provides hand carved nameplates on ash wood for £45. The nameplate always needs to have the legal name of the person that has died, and very often one or two other identifying pieces of information too, such as the date of death, of birth or the age at death. You can often add a nickname too or a short phrase. It can also be a special touch to make the nameplate for your loved one - for example painted, drawn, pyrography or even printed. We can attach a prepared blank nameplate for £10.

Yes, biodegradable coffins are significantly better for the environment in the UK. Traditional coffins often use hardwoods from unsustainable sources, require energy-intensive manufacturing, and can take decades to decompose. Our biodegradable coffins are made from locally grown willow (reducing transport emissions), use renewable materials that regenerate annually, and return nutrients to the soil as they decompose. In the UK context, this supports local agriculture, reduces landfill impact, and aligns with the country's environmental goals. Willow is particularly beneficial as it's a carbon-negative crop, actually absorbing more CO₂ than it produces during its lifecycle.

There are no words to describe the hardship one faces when loosing a baby or infant. We help honour a life cut tragically short through providing care laden and tailored natural coffins. Woven with stripped buff willow, our baby coffins can be personalised with coloured or plain bows and lining.

A coffin is biodegradable when it's made entirely from natural materials that break down safely in the earth. Our eco coffins use locally sourced willow, hemp rope handles, biodegradable calico cotton lining, and innovative corn starch waterproof lining. Unlike traditional coffins that may contain metals, synthetic materials, or chemical finishes, every component of our biodegradable coffins returns naturally to the soil without harming the environment.

Yes, willow coffins are among the most environmentally friendly options available. Willow is a carbon-negative crop, meaning it absorbs more CO₂ than it produces during its lifecycle. It's coppiced annually, regenerating each year without replanting. Our willow is grown by Somerset farmers, supporting local regenerative agriculture. The handweaving process uses minimal energy, and all materials - from hemp rope handles to corn starch lining - are completely biodegradable. Plus, we donate 5% of profits to the Woodland Trust for habitat restoration.

Yes, the fast growth of willow makes it particularly suitable to the short lifespan of a cremated coffin. Our eco coffins are fully cremation certified by the Coffin Casket and Shroud Association.

Willow coffins are ideal for natural burials, as the are made with fully biodegradable materials.

Yes, our coffins are weight tested with the Coffin Casket and Shroud Association for up to 30 stone. The hemp rope handles are fully weight bearing for this weight.

We export to countries outside the UK that don't have their own willow coffin weavers, as supporting local makers is a big part of our ethos. Some countries don't accept willow coffins from small makers due to the closed nature of the funeral industry, but it's always important to check with the funeral association from the country you reside in. This is because, on occasion, a funeral director might prefer to use their own source rather than the family purchasing independently.

No experience necessary. While basic craft skills are helpful, we teach everything from the beginning.

Absolutely. Many participants create coffins for family members or themselves. We can accommodate specific sizes with advance notice.

Willow weaving requires some hand strength and stamina. We work at a pace that suits everyone and take regular breaks. Contact us if you have specific concerns.

Our structured teaching ensures everyone completes their coffin within the course timeframe. We're always available for follow-up support if needed.