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, Godalming 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 Godalming 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?

Godalming 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

Much Loved

Paul, Christina and Angus from the minute we met them were incredible. They looked after our daughter Anna meticulously and guided us through the whole process from start to finish, culminating in the most beautiful funeral. I'd highly recommend using them, their compassion and care…

Clair McHale

Much Loved

Godalming Funeral Service gave an excellent and most professional service for our late mother who passed away in March, 2025. Paul and his team helped us to organise the day, leading us through emotional choices with open humanity and kindness. On the day of the…

Robert

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We booked a direct cremation with Paul at Godalming Funeral Services, he and his staff were very experienced and gave us caring advice all the time listening to our specific wishes. They are helpful with their advice and the communication throughout the whole process was…

Sue Warren

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Godalming Funeral Services, Paul / Angus are very friendly and gave / provided a very professional service for me and my brother in respect of our father. We couldn’t ask for a better service and provided us with a way to honor our dad and…

s reynolds

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When you are at your lowest point after you have lost a loved one, unsure of the next steps that need to be taken, it was really wonderful to have that initial conversation with Paul. He offered a warm reassurance guiding me through the next…

Vivienne Sheldon

Much Loved

I've attended several funerals arranged by Paul or his son at Godalming Funeral Services. I needed to arrange a fitting send off for a very good friend so booked an appointment and went to their offices (which have parking onsite - and unlike most of…

Mike Alliston

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Paul and the team at Godalming Funeral Service were a huge source of comfort from the very first conversation after my mum’s passing. They showed such kindness and understanding, guiding us gently through decisions at a time when everything felt overwhelming. My mum was cared…

Kieran Mccloud

Much Loved

From the very first conversation after my mother’s passing, Paul and everyone at Godalming Funeral Service showed a level of sympathy and empathy that immediately brought comfort. At a time when everything felt overwhelming, they guided us with patience and clarity, helping us make decisions…

Kieran McCloud

Much Loved

I do not dish out good reviews lightly but on this occasion I have no hesitation in giving Godalming Funeral Services 5 gold stars. Throughout the lengthy process of arranging my sister's memorial service from 600 miles away, Paul and Anghus could not have been…

Fiona Graham

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The service and support that we received from Paul and the team was exceptional. Paul made the entire process of arranging a funeral simple and clear, which is exactly what you need at a difficult time. His manner was warm, professional and respectful, and I…

Hayley Orrell

Choose a prepaid 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 01483 970 610 visit branch or arrange a home visit