{"id":142,"date":"2017-03-11T15:37:35","date_gmt":"2017-03-11T15:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sussexwillowcoffins.co.uk\/?page_id=142"},"modified":"2020-07-17T12:24:39","modified_gmt":"2020-07-17T12:24:39","slug":"natural-burial-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sussexwillowcoffins.co.uk\/natural-burial-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs About Wicker Coffins For Cremation & Burial"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Funeral & Cremation FAQ<\/h2>\n

Frequently Asked Questions about Wicker Coffins for Cremation, Natural Burial & Traditional Funerals<\/h2>\n

Here are our answers to some of the questions that we come across about wicker coffins, funerals, natural burials and what happens to a coffin at a cremation. We hope you find this page informative and useful in answering some of your questions about natural burial and funeral planning<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you have any questions about our coffins in particular; please do not hesitate to reach us through our contact page.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span>What is a natural funeral or green burial?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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A natural burial differs from the traditional funeral in a cemetery or churchyard, by the use of natural materials and guidelines. Essentially natural burial sites will only accept bodies that have not been embalmed and they must be buried in biodegradable coffins; our wicker coffins are suitable.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Natural Burial Sites<\/span><\/h4>\n

These natural burial sites are cemeteries where graves are not marked by gravestones, having instead memorial planting of trees or flowers. Some sites may have buildings in which to hold a ceremony and entertain afterwards.<\/p>\n

Most celebrants or ministers are happy to cover a ceremony in these buildings. The range of burial sites on offer is fairly broad, some with conventional lawn style cemeteries, with trees instead of gravestones, others on agricultural sites, where the land continues to be farmed. Take a look at our links page for the best resource in locating your nearest woodland burial sites and natural burial grounds<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span>How much is a wicker coffin?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Wicker coffin prices vary hugely depending on the type of coffin you wish to buy; where it is made and who you choose to buy it from. In comparison coffins, through suppliers that vet quality carefully; coffin prices can start at around \u00a3300 for a cardboard coffin. Whereas bespoke wooden coffins can cost in excess of \u00a32000.<\/p>\n

<\/span>British Made Willow Coffins<\/span><\/h4>\n

Buying an English made coffin is a great marker of quality; as our standards here in the UK and particularly at Sussex Willow Coffins remain high. The bargain price cheapest wicker coffins that can be found on the internet for rock bottom price tags, are usually from the Far East and often of questionable quality.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Wicker Coffin Prices<\/span><\/h4>\n

We do not publish our prices online, as we do not wish to be compared to cheap imported woven coffins. Such a comparison does not appreciate the quality, ethics and time; that goes into weaving a funeral coffin made in the UK.<\/p>\n

All of our customers are treated as individuals, with their own set of needs and preferences. We are happy to discuss what best suits you, including the payments. If you require the price of a wicker coffin please contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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ENGLISH WILLOW WICKER COFFINS<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Find out more about buying our hand crafted English Willow Wicker Coffins and how to order…<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Our Coffins & Urns<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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<\/span>Can wicker coffins be cremated?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Yes, wicker coffins can be cremated or buried<\/a>. Wicker coffins are ideal for cremation; Willow is a fast growing and sustainable wood resource, which makes it particularly applicable for the short lifespan of a cremated coffin. A wicker coffin has a larger surface area due to its construction, using small willow withies.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Woven Coffins For Cremation<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Willow wood itself provides a high temperature and rapid combustion during the cremation. Willow is a reputable and reliable wood, often used for kindling; and is the principle type of wood in the production of fine charcoal, for the pyrotechnics industry.<\/p>\n

Plants of Willow can grow up to 8 feet in height and the wood can be harvested every year; from the same coppice and plant for up to 60 years. Find out more about sustainable willow for weaving, growing willow and the coppicing process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span>Are wicker coffins cheaper than wood coffins?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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In many cases the answer is Yes, as most wooden ones have the added costs of; complex construction, chemical finishes, expensive fitted liners and the addition of metalwork on the exterior of the coffin (hinges \/ handles \/ decoration). They can also be very expensive to ship and transport due to their excessive weight.<\/p>\n

Our coffins are designed to be traditional and simple. With all the coffin parts made from natural timbers, wicker willow and natural sisal rope; for the handles which are built into the woven design itself.<\/p>\n

<\/span>How Much Do Wicker Coffins Cost The Environment?<\/span><\/h4>\n

If you are also considering the cost of a funeral to the environment; a wicker casket is far less damaging to the planet when buried or cremated.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span>Do caskets and coffins get reused or recycled?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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No, coffins being reused by crematorium staff or funeral directors is entirely a myth. Because the coffin itself is an important part of the cremation or burial process. The coffin is required to carry the body into the crematorium or burial ground. During cremation the coffin is charged (placed into the cremator) from a metal table; either automatically or manually.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Reusable Coffin Covers<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

In some cases a reusable coffin or coffin cover may be offered; in the event that a very cheap and not so aesthetically pleasing coffin has been supplied. This is rare and would generally incur an added charge; which could in effect eliminate the savings made, when buying a cheap coffin in the first place. Eventually having the impact of driving up the total cost and expense of a funeral.<\/p>\n

Read our blog post to find out more about how the cremation process works<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span>Can you get cremated without a coffin or casket?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Yes, in the UK there is no legal requirement to use a coffin or casket to cremate a body. The laws around whether you can be buried and cremated without a coffin in Britain simply state:<\/p>\n

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“It is an offence to expose a dead body near a public highway; as this would outrage public decency.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/span>Do you have to have a coffin for cremation?<\/span><\/h4>\n

As the law dictates, the body should be covered in public. How this is done is the choice of whoever is responsible for disposing of it.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Burial Shrouds & Wicker Carriers<\/span><\/h4>\n

For the purposes of cremation, it is possible yet uncommon, to have the body contained in a shroud; then use a \u201ccharging board\u201d or wicker carrier to place the body on.<\/p>\n

However, this option is often fraught with additional challenges when carrying and handling the body; which may result in unnecessary distress and embarrassment.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Cheapest Coffins For Cremation<\/span><\/h4>\n

A wicker funeral casket can be the cheapest coffin for cremation, being very suitable due to its short lifespan. With willow being a fast growing and sustainable crop.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span>What is the background and history of wicker coffins and funeral casket weaving?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Wicker coffins are not a new idea, although willow caskets in some form were likely used in ancient times, we can certainly trace them back to the late 19th century; where they were employed as a solution to the overcrowding in London\u2019s cemeteries.<\/p>\n

The earliest advertised Willow Coffin, advocated by the Duke of Sutherland and produced in 1875 by the Necropolis Company, was the ‘Earth to Earth’ willow coffin. With which it was suggested should have “ferns, moss and herbs placed inside the coffin and be buried slightly higher in the ground, to encourage decomposition”.<\/p>\n

<\/span>How are Wicker Coffins made?<\/span><\/h4>\n

The base of the coffin is made first, with the sides then being woven from bottom to top. The load bearing handles are integrated into the weave in our coffin design, making them attractive and strong.<\/p>\n

Watch us making a willow coffin and find out more about what we do.<\/p>\n