At C. J. Williams, we offer a range of options for those people who are “environmentally conscious” and wish to have a Green Funeral. With the introduction of Woodland Burial Grounds in recent years, the choice for environmentally friendly funerals has now increased significantly.

There are a number of items that can constitute an environmentally conscious funeral, with the simplest of these being the coffin. We have a range of environmentally friendly coffins available, manufactured from cardboard, wicker, bamboo or papier mache, in a variety of colours and styles. They can be used for cremations, burials in conventional cemeteries and also interments in new Woodland Burial Sites.

The second option is interment in a “Green Burial Ground” (Woodland site). Woodland Burial Grounds differ from conventional cemeteries in that there are restrictions on the materials that coffins are made from and no memorials are allowed. Trees, however, are planted throughout the burial ground to create a conservation area. There are now around ninety-five woodland burial grounds in the country, with the nearest being Newport, Shropshire.

The Cemetery, in Audley Avenue, Newport, opened in 1859 and the grounds are abundant with wildlife and landscaped with a large variety of mature trees. There is a small chapel within the grounds which is available for funeral services.

The woodland graves are located in an area of land adjoining the cemetery. It is planned that in time, this area will recreate a traditional oak woodland scene providing a fine habitat for wildlife. The graves will be recorded on plans, each grave being individually numbered and marked with a small tag. Each grave is designed for a single interment, however graves are grouped together to allow family members to be buried close together.

All interments are required to take place in biodegradable coffins and shrouds, also cremated remains can be interred under the same restrictions. Once the ground has settled following the interment, memorial trees may be selected and planted. Families can choose from: Wild cherry, Rowan, Holly, Crabapple, Whitebeam and Aspen species. Once the choice has been made, the tree is planted and maintained by the Town Council. The remainder of the grave is covered by bluebells and wild flower seed.

A Woodland Burial Site is also available in the Church Stretton area, and details of interments in this cemetery can be given upon request.

The C. J. Williams Funeral Service, Argyll House, Dawley Bank, Telford, Shropshire TF4 2BD.

Telephone: 01952 505835

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Although the utmost care is applied when collating the information on this website, the directors and staff of C. J. Williams Funeral Services

cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

©Copyright 2003 C. J. Williams Funeral Services- All Rights Reserved - E&OE