Willow Coffin Workshop with Wyldwood Willow

People often ask us what coffin they can have for a natural burial and for many a popular choice is a Willow coffin. Included in our list of local contacts are wonderful local willow weavers who can weave a coffin for you. However, what is not as well known is that you can be a part of this process. You can even arrange to go on a willow coffin weaving course. For some being a part of this process is therapeutic. It brings a personal touch to a funeral and gives people time to think and reflect. While for others it’s about coming to terms with our mortality. Creating something special that helps family and friends to celebrate a life.

Photographs: The photos of the coffins shown below were woven by Wyldwood Willow in Monmouthshire, Wales.

What is not as well known is that you can be a part of this process. You can even arrange to go on a willow coffin weaving course. For some being a part of this process is therapeutic. It brings a personal touch to a funeral and gives people time to think and reflect. While for others it’s about coming to terms with our mortality. Creating something special that helps family and friends to celebrate a life.

Amanda from Wyldwood Willow offers coffin weaving workshops at the Barn in Usk Castle Chase Chase Natural Burial Meadow. Here she supports families who want to weave their own coffin. At the end of it not only do they have an affordable willow coffin. They’ve also had the chance to create something personal and unique.

She has very kindly shared with us a few photos and words about one of her coffin making workshops. This has taken place during social distancing so it goes to show you can still create something special even when social distancing.

Weaving a coffin with Wyldwood Willow

“Just reflecting back over the last few days I realise how amazing this year’s coffin making workshop has been.

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With social distancing in place, we all worked well together. With a demonstration led course I felt that all the participants observed and then repeated my steps to a really high standard!

3 beautiful coffins were woven and tried out by Dominic, Hellen, Amanda and her daughter. They all said that they couldn’t believe what hard work it was but also how satisfying and rewarding it was to learn this craft.

As one of them laughed “nothing beats making your own” I couldn’t help but reflect on the process and the sense of peace that weaving brings to me personally. This is where my humble beginnings as a weaver began. It’s so absorbing on so many levels that it well and truly gives the brain a rest from daily life.

​I guess that’s why it’s long been used as a way to rehabilitate mind and body – a physical workout all around!” – Amanda