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, Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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 Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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.

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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.

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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.

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Need advice?

Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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.

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Latest Reviews

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I am especially grateful to the funeral director Stuart Drake, who talked me through everything I need to do. I was feeling very overwhelmed in the days immediately after my dad died and having his step-by-step guidance on the paperwork and various things that needed…

Kate Whitehead

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Stuart helped me so much with arrangements from start to finish.Kept in touch throughout and advised were needed. On the Day of funeral Mark contacted me and everything was conducted with such dignity and grace. Everyone was very professional and kind. Would highly recommend. Thank…

susan parrock

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Our family have used Drakes twice in the last13 years. I am pleased to say our recent experience was as good as the first time. Stuart and his team helped use through the process with calm and sureness. Stuart listened to what we wanted, gave…

Paul Bradshaw

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I couldn't fault Drakes in the way they managed my fathers funeral and how they dealt with the family. They were considerate, caring, respectful and truly understanding. Their help and guidance through this most difficult of times was appreciated greatly by my mother and the…

Brian Mullen

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A big thank you to Stuart and his team for making the wettest day so far this year into a positive experience for us! His attention to detail was outstanding, and made what could have been a terrible day due to the weather into a…

Ali Walker

Google

I wanted to say a huge thanks to Drakes for taking care of my mum. Both Stuart and Charlie have been professional and helpful from start to finish. Mums wicker casket was absolutely beautiful. The communication from them has been great. The service has been…

Sue Emma Gibson

Much Loved

I’ve used Drake’s several times over the years and they are outstanding. Always very professional,friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much trouble and Stuart was a huge help and supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Drake’s.

Gill Smart

Much Loved

Very nice service lovely people. Thankyou very much

Julie Waye

Much Loved

This is my second time using Drakes following the death of my mother. I have nothing but praise and respect how I and my family were treated from the first telephone conversation until the end of the service.

Nick Bradley

Much Loved

Thank you for your patience with us and for ensuring that all our wishes were carried out as we hoped

Susan and family

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.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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

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We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01803 329 866 visit branch or arrange a home visit