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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Featured Reviews

Google

Nothing to improve everything went very smoothly. Being able to use the chapel of rest for a short final committal service for my husband much appreciated.

C Kile

Google

I used Godalming Funeral Service on Friday 24th April 2026 and found them to be very friendly and very organised and helpful prior to the funeral. They took away all my concerns and made the process very easy. The order of service was excellent and…

Alexei Fomin

Google

Paul and the team were extremely efficient, compassionate and professional when dealing with my mother’s funeral. Always prompt responses and helpful advice given if needed. Sally was our celebrant who was so easy to talk to and also gave us invaluable advice. I would thoroughly…

Tatiana Cadman

Google

Paul & Angus guided us through the process with care and compassion. From start to finish, they handled all the arrangements which took a lot of pressure off my family. They were always on hand to answer any questions, no matter how trivial, and their…

alex brown

Google

I would highly recommend Godalming Funeral Service, Paul Weightman and his team could not have been more helpful and sensitive. Thank you.…

Lyn Stacey

Google

Godalming Funeral Service were exceptional at a time of great loss for David and his sister, Katie, after the passing of their much‑loved mum, Julie. Paul Weightman, Senior Funeral Director, was kind, empathetic and deeply sincere from the moment David, my partner walked through the…

Susan Whiting

Google

Within a minute of meeting Paul at GFS I was certain that my mum (Julie) would be in safe hands. Where do you start when a loved one dies. Sitting in their office felt rather daunting but immediately Paul simply spoke my language. No ambiguity,…

David Johnston

Google

Paul and Angus showed so much empathy, professionalism and humanity handling my mother's funeral. Genuine care and compassion at such a difficult time. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much for everything.

Katie Johnston

Google

A huge thank you to Christina, Paul & Anghus, who were endlessly helpful, supportive and reassuring in the run up to the funeral of my mother, shared their wide connections so that all the extra supporting people were quickly in place - organist, soloist, streaming…

Torsten Louland

Google

Our family would like to pass on our sincere thanks to Paul and the team who kept us fully informed throughout the process of organising our dear dad's funeral. If you find yourself in the sad situation of needing their services we highly recommend them.…

Janice Piper

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

muchloved

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