How I can help
You’re probably here because you’ve lost someone close, or you’re about to, and it’s important to you to have a funeral that’s as eco-friendly as possible, with nature at its heart. Or perhaps you’re thinking about options for your own funeral, when the time comes. I can help in a few different ways:
arranging the funeral, supporting you and your family to organise aspects yourselves, if you wish
holding the funeral ceremony/celebration of life, with the option to include nature-based rituals
holistic and spiritual end-of-life support
You can be assured that I will guide you through the whole process with sensitivity, warmth and empathy. As a freelance funeral director, I will look after everything personally – you will only ever speak to me about the arrangements. You can read a little more about each of my services below. I know this is an overwhelming time, with lots to take in, so please feel free to contact me for a chat if that feels easier than reading.
I’m a freelance holistic funeral director. I only take on a small number of funerals, so that I’m able to personally support families at every step. As a freelancer, I don’t have my own premises, instead working with a network of trusted providers to offer a flexible service. I will always be your point of contact. I specialise in greener funerals, and can talk you through the options for natural burial, the most eco-friendly approach currently available In the UK. However, I recognise that natural burial isn’t possible or suitable for everyone, so I can also support with direct cremations.
I’m very supportive of family-led funerals, where loved ones are closely involved with looking after the person who’s died and making the funeral arrangements – but I recognise that this may feel overwhelming at such an emotional time. So I’ll give you as much or as little support and guidance as you want with any aspects, from gently washing and dressing your loved one to organising the logistics. I’ll be by your side all the way.
You can also engage me as a celebrant, writing and holding the ceremony aspect of the funeral, with or without being involved in other arrangements. I specialise in ecocentric ceremonies, including simple nature-based rituals to gently support processing of grief. I’ll work with you and your family to create a truly bespoke ceremony, so please get in touch to discuss your needs.
As a soul midwife (similar to a death doula), I offer gentle, non-medical end-of-life support. This is personalised to each individual but may include supporting funeral discussions with family members, and offering guided meditation and sacred oil anointing rituals.
Whatever sort of support you need, I’ll be happy to talk you through the possibilities, with no obligation. And if I’m not the right person to help you for whatever reason, I can recommend funeral professionals who work in similar ways.
You can find my prices and terms and conditions here.
A funeral at Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground in Surrey, with Eddie the cart horse carrying a casket to the graveside
What is an eco-friendly funeral?
Natural burial is the most eco-friendly option currently available in the UK. In a natural burial, the grave is shallower than usual to encourage the body to break down more quickly, and to prevent the emissions of the greenhouse gas methane that are produced in deeper burials. True natural burial grounds become nature reserves. They’re maintained using sustainable methods and kept as natural as possible, whether they’re wildflower meadows or woodlands, so that biodiversity can thrive. There are a few rules to protect these precious habitats – for example, coffins must be made of biodegradable materials such as willow or cardboard, there are no headstones, and any plants must be appropriate to the habitat.
Losing someone close is always difficult but many people find that saying goodbye in a beautiful natural setting, with the breeze blowing around them and a backdrop of birdsong, brings much peace and comfort. Most natural burial grounds have a venue so that a ceremony can be held on-site, if you wish. Wherever you choose to hold the ceremony, I can help you to ensure that this aspect is also as environmentally sound as possible. Simple rituals can help to strengthen our connection with the magic and solace of nature, reminding us that we’re all held by something bigger than ourselves, whatever spiritual beliefs we do or don’t have – and as an experienced ritual designer, I can suggest ways to include these.
Read more about ritual and why I feel it’s so important for supporting us through life’s challenges.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss options, even if you’re not yet sure what approach you want to take. I’ll be happy to talk it all through with no obligation, and if natural burial isn’t the right choice for you, I’ll be able to recommend other funeral directors.
