Yes. Please refer to a suggested funeral planning check list of things to consider and arrange in advance.

Some people like to purchase an Away with Willow Coffin in advance of need. They have stored their purchase under a bed, in an attic or a side hallway and used it to store all sorts of items (sheets, towels, shoes, toys or keepsakes) until needed. This advanced purchase option will mean you will also be making savings against rising future inflation costs.

Yes. You can add optional extras such as a nick-name on a wooden nameplate or a variety of willow hearts that can adorn your coffin or urn.

Dried herbs such as mint or lavender can be added to the extra sheep fleece calico cotton pillow.

You also have the opportunity to write a personal message on a strip of cotton ribbon that will be weaved into the coffin between the willow.

Away with Willow Coffins are appropriate for cremation, traditional burials, and some green woodland burial sites. Natural Burial sites have individual regulations - Away with Willow Coffins have wooden birch/ pine plywood bases that contain glue (this is bio degrading but please check these wooden bases are accepted in your chosen location). All the other parts of Away with Willow Coffins are 100% natural including sisal rope handles, unbleached 100% calico cotton lining, sheep fleece and calico cotton pillows and locally grown willow woven sides and lid (no air miles).

Natural burial grounds, cemeteries and crematoriums have a requirement for a name plate to accompany any coffin. The name plate must contain the person who has passed away’s date of birth, date of death/ age at death and their legal name (you can add an additional nick name if you would like to).

Away with Willow Coffins can provide a wooden name plate.

Away with Willow Coffins are lined with 100% unbleached, calico cotton lining.

Wicker coffins are typically not sealed. They are purposefully designed to be biodegradable and have a natural, open weave that allows for air flow and decomposition. They are lined with a natural cotton calico lining and the lid is secured down with natural sisal rope and hand carved hazel wood toggles.

Yes. Away with Willow coffins are especially suited to cremation as they are designed to burn cleanly.

Some Funeral Directors will say that you have to purchase coffins through them but this is not compulsory. If you buy direct from a local maker located in the UK (Away with Willow is based in Scotland) you are helping to support your local economy, and in addition you are ensuring preservation of our beautiful Scottish countryside (no air miles).

It is often more cost effective to buy your coffin directly from Away with Willow and in addition we can provide optional extras to add a unique and loving feel to your funeral service and the willow/wicker coffin itself.

Prices range from £350 to £800 (excluding any optional extras and delivery) for a fully lined, adult sized willow/wicker coffin that has been personally handcrafted and is unique and bespoke, as well as being an environmentally eco-friendly, locally produced item.

Yes. Willow coffins tend to be in the middle ground price range. Cardboard coffins are slightly cheaper and wooden coffins more expensive. Not all wicker / willow coffins are crafted in the UK. Some are imported and the environmental impact, safety, work ethics etc, during the growing and production processes, can not necessarily be ascertained.

Purchasing from a local craft maker, such as Away with Willow, provides continuing support for our rural communities and helps to ensure these traditional countryside skills and knowledge are not lost and are handed down through the generations. In addition, you will be helping retain rural employment opportunities, as well as money going back into the local community enabling a thriving circular economy.

Wicker coffins tend not to smell, however because Away with Willow Coffins are made with locally grown willow that still has it’s bark on, the coffin will have a woody scent. This is a natural earthy scent that is not overpowering and is associated with life and nature.

Dried lavender or mint can be included in the optional extra calico cotton pillow stuffed with sheep fleece.

Also the 100% unbleached cotton calico lining prevents the very small potential of any remaining odour leakage.

Away with Willow Coffins are strong. Despite the lightweight appearance, wicker and willow coffins are sturdy and durable. They can comfortably support a body weight and are suitable for both burial and cremation. In addition the birch/ pine plywood boards used for the Away with Willow Coffin bases are tested for strength and the allocated weight each board can carry is outlined.