There are many types of eco-coffin available. In most cases your funeral director will help you to make the right choice but we can advise you if you are choosing to lead the funeral yourself.
In line with our ethics, coffins used at Pentiddy are preferably not imported thereby supporting local crafts people and reducing our carbon footprint from the transportation. Traditional, solid wood coffins are welcomed as long as they are not made of or veneered with tropical hardwoods and preferably sourced from sustainably managed woodlands. Untreated native oak and pine are fine. However, woven willow is far preferable from an environmental point of view as it only takes 1 year to grow the rods for its construction. Cardboard is very popular and inexpensive and there are a variety of designs available. Some families choose not to use a coffin at all in these cases we are happy to accept biodegradable body bags or shrouds. We do allow grave-goods as long as they are made from natural materials.
For the ‘greenest’ options we now have either a willow coffins made especially for Pentiddy using willow grown on site and woven in the village or we have the ultimate green shroud using Hazel grown on site as a base and woven sheep fleeces from the sheep that graze the site to make the shroud itself.
The Pentiddy Shroud
The Pentiddy shroud was born out of a desire to reflect the wild beauty of Bodmin Moor by combining the natural, sustainable resources of wool and wood with traditional rural crafts.
Using fleeces from the sheep that graze the burial site, Ele weaves the soft, woolen shroud on a traditional peg loom and Anthony weaves the base which supports the body, and whittles the toggles using Hazel from Pentiddy’s coppice woodland. The body is wrapped in natural calico with a fleece pillow before the cosy wool shroud is placed over the body and toggled to the base.
Ele invites family and friends of the deceased to join in with the weaving, believing passionately that gentle involvement in preparing a loved one for burial can be of great benefit to those saying goodbye.
Pentiddy Shroud £580.
(The cost will vary depending on the size.) The cost includes delivery of the shroud to the funeral directors and our assistance in snuggling bodies into the shroud.
Cornish Willow Coffins
Jessie has been making beautiful coffins for Pentiddy Natural Burials for many years.
“I find the process of making a coffin honorable and it has made me realise how important the role is.”
She provides families with a personal service to create unique coffins. Working in a peaceful wooded valley in Pensilva, she welcomes families and friends to visit her workshop with the opportunity to get involved in the weaving process.
Pentiddy Woods provides Jessie with many of the colourful willows she uses alongside some which she grows herself.
“My work reflects the seasons by incorporating a variety of natural fresh materials which are available throughout the year.”
Jessie’s Coffins start from £750 – please see her website cornishwillowcoffins.co.uk
If neither of these suit your requirements the Natural Death Centre have a list of coffin suppliers that deal directly with the public (here).