Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to break down?
That depends on the local conditions in the soil - moisture and soil health - and the depth of burial. For a natural burial, depth is recommended at 3’. Burial in a shroud results in quicker decomposition because there are no air pockets and contact with the soil starts the return immediately.
Do I order direct or through the Funeral Director (FD)?
It’s best to order direct from us. The order can then be sent either to you or your FD. For more information, you can contact Yuli who will be happy to explain options and timings.
How long does it take to complete and send?
Your order can usually be sent out within 24 hours depending on ready made stock and the day and time the order is placed. We use a 24 hour delivery service but there can be courier hold-ups, so we like to allow a minimum of one extra day before the funeral.
Is wool felt biodegradable?
Yes, we use entirely 100% natural materials. Everything composts down. Wool is a natural material that will break down in the soil to continue the cycle of life.
What about leakage?
Most bodies do not leak, but if there is likelihood of leakage, then I recommend a conversation either with the Funeral Director or with myself to make provision for this. There are natural absorbent materials hidden in the base of the Leafcocoon eco coffin alternative which takes care of this. No other liner is needed. However, the Oseberg Cradle coffin is differently constructed and does not have provision for leakage.
What happens if I need to return or refund an item?
We want all our customers to be 100% happy with their choice. And because we share your love and concern for this planet we take every care we possibly can to ensure satisfaction. Yuli Somme has been making shrouds for over 20 years and continues to share her experience and expertise with her team, to make sure that you, as a customer, receive the attention and service that you deserve at - what can be - a very stressful time. If, however, this service has not met your satisfaction, then we invite conversation to determine an appropriate refund.
For more information see our returns policy here.
Can I have proof of FSA Accreditation for the Oseberg Cradle?
Our Oseberg Cradle is FSA accredited. You can view our product testing accreditation here.
What packaging will my items arrive in?
We endeavor to reuse and recycle packaging from local businesses.
Can you use a plastic coffin liner?
We do not recommend the use of plastic coffin liners because they cause long-term pollution both in the manufacture and during the breakdown in the soil, or pollutants are emitted during cremation.
Are you allowed to be buried in just a wool felt shroud in a churchyard or cemetery?
Yes. There are no laws restricting this, other than possible quirks from individual managers that find this concept a challenge to their conventions.. It was our custom and law to be buried in a wool shroud, as most people could not afford the wood for a coffin. In the current climate of wood scarcity, prices soaring and the need to use wood more carefully, shroud burial has increasingly become a popular alternative to a conventional coffin.
Can you use a shroud for cremation?
Yes. The advantage of a wool shroud cremation is that wool is classed as non-flammable, unlike cotton, bamboo fibre or synthetics. This means it is much safer, as it does not “flash back”. I recommend the Oseberg Cradle for cremation as it has been tested for this. However, with an adapted carrying board, the Heritage Shroud has also been used in some more flexible crematoria. We contact your crematorium direct to double-check the service is offered.
How are the shrouds carried, and how much weight can they bear?
The wool felt shrouds are normally carried low. This should be factored into the planning if the funeral is to take place in a chapel/church with narrow aisles. The shrouds can take weight up to 25 stone or more if bespoke.
Can one decorate a wool felt coffin alternative?
Yes, the felt is easy to decorate. For an additional cost we provide wool needle felting decorating kits and tutorials. Even if you are limited for time, or have children under the age of 7 who would like to be involved in decoration. Apart from the needle felting technique - which is easy to learn - you can embroider, applique, or use certain art materials, such as chalk pastels or even natural items such as flowers, leaves and branches.
Do I need a nameplate?
We create a simple nameplate in natural fabric which we sew to the shroud. Most funeral directors require this to avoid any confusion. We therefore need:
The name of the person
Date of death and age
Are all of your products environmentally friendly?
Yes. All our shrouds and other products are made from entirely natural materials which will in time fully convert back to soil.
How can I place an order?
You can order by phone, email or via our enquiry form.
Yuli will be happy to answer your queries about timing, cost and how to pay.
Alternatively visit Bellacouche Felt Studio Workshop in Chagford, Devon, UK
On environmental grounds, which would you recommend - cremation or burial?
We recommend Natural burial. All life begins in the soil! The soil has held our past, and it holds our future. Humans are part of this cycle; part of Nature, not apart from her. Natural burial, as opposed to conventional burial, mimics nature and only natural materials are used. We keep the sourcing of our materials as local as possible, thus increasing our environmental neutrality.
What is the delivery time?
Delivery between 2 to 5 days, depending on time and day of order, and urgency.
You can phone or email to place an order. We will need the following information:
Date and place of funeral, if known
Whether burial or cremation
Name and age of the person it is for
Approximate height and weight
Delivery details
Contact details
Bespoke orders will need 5 days, on average. The bases are made in different sizes, but are otherwise all the same. We aim to keep a range ready to go out quickly.
Is there enough space for everyone to be buried? Aren’t we running out of space for burial?
There is always enough space for everyone to be buried. Natural burial sites are opening up all over the UK. Every village and town has always had a churchyard or cemetery for burial; it’s an obligation for councils to provide these sites, and with the climate and ecological challenges we face, it only takes a little imagination to decide collectively that we can provide space for people to be buried.
What is the largest size eco coffin alternative you can supply?
As designer-makers, we can work to requests for products that sit outside of our standard sizing. These bespoke orders will, of course, require a little extra time and there may be an extra cost in materials.
