01202 551190

1A Oxford Road, Lansdowne Mews, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8EY

Call
Email
Head & Wheble Funeral Directors

Woodland burial

woodland burials in bournemouth, christchurch & poole

Get in touch

What is a woodland burial funeral?

A Woodland Burial funeral (also known as ‘green’ or ‘woodland’ funerals) describes funeral services that take a less traditional form and seek to minimise impact upon the world’s natural resources. Environmentally friendly burials will eventually become a part of the natural woodland where it takes place, without disrupting the nature around it. This option is ideal for conservationists and environmentally friendly families as a personalised way of burying someone who cared about the environment.

Our woodland burial service includes:

Z

The services of a funeral director, the necessary administration and a full complement of staff on the day of the funeral.

Z
The conveyance of the deceased from the place of death to our Chapel of Rest.
Z

Care of the deceased.

Z
Full viewing facilities at our Chapels of Rest.
Z
A solid pine coffin with fittings, three pairs of wooden handles and an inscribed name plate (or another eco-friendly coffin of your choice – This could include: Wicker, Bamboo & Seagrass).
Z
A Mercedes hearse and one limousine, seating up to six people (Optional).
Z

The planting of a tree offered by the Burial Ground.

Local Woodland Burials Grounds

Within our local area we are fortunate to have 3 available woodland burial grounds. Two are situated in the Dorset countryside surrounded by flowing fields and can be an ideal setting for a loved one’s final resting place. Bournemouth North Woodland Burial ground is an allocated section within North Cemetery for residents that live within Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole.

Bournemouth North Woodland Burial Ground

Address:
North Cemetery, Strouden Ave,
Bournemouth,
Dorset, BH8 9HX
Owned By: BCP Council
Read More

Bournemouth North Woodland Burial Ground is a dedicated section within Bournemouth North Cemetery, offering a peaceful and natural setting for woodland burials in the heart of Dorset. It is specifically allocated for residents living within the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) area, ensuring local families have access to environmentally conscious funeral options.

see map

Harbour View Woodland Burial Ground

Address:
Lytchett Minster, Upton
Randall’s Hill, Lytchett Minster,
Poole, Dorset, BH16 6AN
Owned By: Tapper Funeral Service (Open to all Funeral Directors)
Read More

This tranquil location offers a beautiful and natural setting for those seeking an environmentally conscious alternative for their loved one’s final resting place. Surrounded by the gentle landscape of the Dorset countryside, Harbour View provides a serene space where families can honour life and memory in harmony with nature overlooking Poole Harbour. The second largest natural harbour in the world.

Set amidst the rolling fields of Dorset, offering a peaceful and scenic environment. Designed for woodland and eco-friendly burials, allowing families to choose from a range of natural coffin options, including pine, wicker, bamboo, and seagrass. The planting of a commemorative tree is offered by the burial ground, allowing families to create a living tribute that contributes to the local ecosystem. Facilities to accommodate full viewing at Chapels of Rest and provision of funeral vehicles, such as a Mercedes hearse and optional limousine.

see map

Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground

Address:
Colehill, Wimborne
Greenhill Rd, Colehill,
Wimborne BH21 2RG
Owned By: Funeral Partners UK (South Of England) – Open to all Funeral Directors
Read More

Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground is situated in the scenic village of Colehill, near Wimborne, offering a serene and natural environment for woodland burials. Surrounded by the picturesque Dorset countryside, this burial ground is designed to provide families with a restful setting that honours the memory of loved ones in balance with nature. The site supports eco-friendly funeral options, allowing for natural coffins and the planting of commemorative trees, enabling families to create living tributes while contributing to local biodiversity. This thoughtful approach ensures a meaningful and environmentally conscious farewell.

see map

Planted tree selection after a woodland Burial

Maple (Acer)

Silver Birch (Betula)
Cedar (Cedrus)
Golden Lawsoniana (Chamaecyparis)
Copper Beech (Fagus)
Ornamental Crab (Malus)
Flowering Cherry (Prunus)
Oak (Quecus)
Red Thorn (Robinia)
Weeping Willow (Salix)
Mountain Ash (Sorbus)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a woodland burial?
The cost of a woodland burial varies based on location, facilities provided by the burial ground, and the options selected. While typically comparable to traditional burials, woodland burials are not necessarily cost-effective. We can guide you through the costings for this. It can be advisable by the funeral director to visit the woodland burial ground to choose the specific grave you would like.
Are various coffin options available?
Yes, we offer a selection of coffin options, including biodegradable materials such as willow, cardboard, or sustainably sourced wood, consistent with the natural principles of woodland burials.
May I select the species of tree planted after the burial?

Woodland burial sites allow families to choose the type of tree planted in memory of their loved one following the burial. Some examples of tree species are: Silver Birch, Oak, Maple, Copper Beach.

Is it possible to hold the funeral service at the woodland burial ground?
Funeral services can generally be conducted at the graveside. Several Woodland Burial Grounds offer ceremony halls to accommodate services, providing flexibility for individual needs.
Is woodland burial suitable for my requirements?
Woodland burial is an environmentally conscious choice for those who prefer a natural setting for their final resting place. It may be particularly appropriate for individuals seeking a less formal, nature-focused ceremony. If uncertain, you are encouraged to consult funeral directors or visit woodland burial grounds to determine compatibility with your wishes.
Is embalming permitted prior to a woodland burial?
Embalming policies vary by burial ground, though it is commonly not permitted due to the use of chemicals that conflict with the ethos of natural burials. Confirmation can be sought from the woodland burial ground by the funeral director.
Can I view my loved one before a woodland burial?
Viewing your loved one prior to burial is welcome. Many funeral homes, including ours, provide chapels of rest where families may spend time with their loved ones before the service or interment.
Are Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available for woodland burials?
Advance planning and payment for woodland burial funerals are available.

We recommend pre-purchasing a grave directly through the woodland burial ground when feasible.

How does a woodland burial differ from a traditional burial?
Woodland burials frequently do not include church services, churchyards, or cemeteries with headstones or gravestones. They involve alternative coffin options, a contemporary approach to funerals, and are designed to minimise environmental impact.
May I provide clothing for the deceased?
Yes, clothing for the deceased may be provided and we can dress your loved one in their own clothes. We also have different burial gowns we can dress them in as an alternative option.

Additional Woodland Burials Grounds

We visit throughout the Dorset and Hampshire in surrounding areas to Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole.

Ham Down Woodland Burial Ground

Address:
Bere Marsh Farm,
Shillingstone,
Blandford Forum,
DT11 0QY
see map

Godlingston Cemetery Meadowland Burial Ground

Address:
Washpond Lane,
Swanage,
BH19 3DJ
see map

Dorset Downs Natural Burial Meadow

Address:
Roman Road,
Winterbourne Abbas,
Dorchester,
DT2 9ET
What3words: ///sweeter.extension.noticing

see map

New Forest Countryside Woodland Burial Grounds

Beaulieu Cemetery

Address:
Grindingstone,
Lodge Lane,
Beaulieu,
SO42 7XP
see map

Calshot Cemetery

Address:
Calshot Road,
Calshot,
SO45 1BP
see map

Eling Cemetery

Address:
Eling Hill,
Eling,
SO40 9HE
see map

Milford Road Cemetery

Address:
Milford Road,
New Milton,
BH25 6PN
see map

Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground

Address:
Wyndham Rd,
Hinton,
Christchurch ,
BH23 7EJ

Owned By:
Natural Burial Grounds Limited.
A subsidiary of South of England Funeral Partners Limited.
We are not allowed access to their woodland burial ground for a full burial. – please contact them directly. We are able to perform a cremation and arrange for an ashes burial & scattering within their grounds.

see map

testimonials

More Testimonials