In recent years, families have been choosing more environmentally friendly funeral options and willow coffins have become a popular choice for both burial and cremation. But not all willow coffins are equal, with many being mass produced and imported from Eastern Europe or Asia. A willow coffin is seen as an eco-friendly choice but it carries a substantial carbon footprint when shipped across continents.

However there are sustainable, British made coffins available, such as those from Wegnalls Willow Coffins. Each coffin is handmade by Steph Shaw on a small farm in rural Herefordshire, not far from where her willow is grown. Each coffin is woven to order, and families are invited to visit the workshop, add their own personal touches, and even help weave a small section themselves. This blog offers an insight into the background and values behind her business.

What is the story behind Wegnalls Willow Coffins?

by Steph Shaw 

I became interested in willow coffins after my Grandad died, as his was the first coffin I had seen. But it felt strange at the funeral seeing the veneer coffin which seemed too large, angular and impersonal. So I began to research alternatives to the ‘traditional’ coffin, something with a personal connection and deeper sense of meaning for the family.

At the time I was half way through my City & Guilds qualification in Basketry, so willow coffins were the obvious choice. I went on a course with another independent maker to learn how to weave a willow coffin and my business has grown from there.

Since December 2024, I have been proud offer FFMA accredited willow coffins for cremation across the UK, alongside different design options for burial and natural burial grounds. This gives customers the peace of mind that in choosing one of our coffins, they are getting a strong, safe and beautiful final resting place for their loved one.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to sustainability, connection, compassion and craftsmanship. These values are reflected in every coffin I weave.

Sustainability

Willow is a fast growing, renewable crop which is easily grown from a single stick planted into the ground. Each winter, the year’s growth is harvested and it will re-grow again from the same cutting for decades! The willow beds have other benefits such as storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, creating habitats for birds, insects and small mammals, and their roots help prevent erosion of the riverbank.

I planted my willow beds three years ago, and the yield is still increasing each year with how much willow I am able to harvest. Whilst I purchase some willow from commercial growers in Somerset, I hope to be self-sufficient in the next few years as my willow beds establish and I am able to expand.

I love this circular aspect of the craft. Growing the willow within sight of my workshop, and weaving it into coffins that return to the earth just feels right. Even when cremated, the carbon footprint is far lower than using imported willow or slow-growing hardwoods. It’s local, renewable and rooted in care for the land.

Connection

Working closely with families and building a community is very important to me.

I welcome families to come and weave a section of the willow coffin, if they would like to. From experience I have found that this can help form a connection with the natural materials. It also make the coffin feel less scary or daunting when viewed for the first time. Especially compared to when it is first seen at a funeral, which is something that I feel would have helped me when seeing my Grandad’s coffin.

Families are also invited to add their own touches to the coffin. By adding these personal and special items, there is a greater sense of connection between the coffin, family and loved one that it is for. I recently made a coffin for a lady that loved to knit and some of her woollen creations were incorporated into the weaving around the handles. Another coffin was for person who used to help with a friend’s willow harvest, so we added some freshly cut willows and catkins from their willow patch into the weaving.

Compassion

Compassion, care and empathy are at the core of my work, and my reason why I do this. I believe that a coffin is the most special basket that you can make for someone. It means a lot to me to help families, at such a difficult time, to weave a willow coffin that is not only beautiful, but also personal and made with care.

Craftsmanship

I’m a perfectionist! I value attention to detail, ensuring each coffin or basket is strong, beautiful and made to the highest standards.

In 2023, I gained a distinction in my City & Guilds qualification in Basketry. Whilst I am a skilled weaver, I’m always looking at new ways to improve my knowledge and skills. Usually this means learning techniques from other experienced basketmakers and industry professionals. This helps me continually refine my work and maintain high standards of craftsmanship.

Whether you’re planning ahead or making arrangements now, you can get in touch with Steph through the Wegnalls Willow Coffins website.

https://wegnallswillowcoffins.co.uk/