Why choose a wegnalls willow coffin?
We know that saying goodbye to a loved one and choosing a coffin can be difficult, which is why Steph will take the utmost care and attention to detail when weaving your loved one’s willow coffin.
By choosing a Wegnalls Willow Coffin, you can be assured that each coffin is handmade with love, using local materials and to an exceptionally high standard.
As Photographed Above, Our willow Coffins have:
- Been woven with sustainable UK grown willow: We use Homegrown brown willow along with traditional ‘buff’ willow from Somerset.
- A solid pine lid centre
- Different base options suitable for cremation & burial (traditional and natural burials)
- Welsh Woollen rope handles
- Handmade willow toggles and British wool braid fastenings
- Unbleached Calico cotton linings sewn in to the coffin and on the lid
- A mattress and pillow filled with hay from our permanent pasture
- The option to be part of the weaving process or add special details to the coffin
- Name plate, keepsake items and matching ashes urns available to order
Our coffins
Most of our coffins have two rounded ends , a solid ply base and feature three weight-bearing handles on each side.
This is the our most popular design and is certified for cremation, in all crematoriums across the UK, by the FFMA.
You can learn more about the different options we offer for cremation, burial and natural burial here.
Each coffin can be woven in the willow colour combinations shown below, subject to seasonal availability and current lead times.
Arrow
Woven in Somerset Buff willow with stripes of white willow.
This light combination of willow has a very ‘traditional’ wicker appearance.
The Buff and White willow are both stripped of their bark in Somerset and are smooth to the touch.
The Arrow is the quickest design to make as the willow rods only take a few hours to soak before being ready to weave.
Kenwater
Woven in Somerset Buff willow with contrasting stripes of homegrown brown willow.
This is the perfect option if you wish to combine the Somerset stripped willow with stripes of darker, homegrown Herefordshire willow.
Wye
Woven in brown willow with stripes of Somerset Buff willow.
This design is the opposite of the Kenwater above.
The Wye uses the brown willow for the large chunks of weaving on the sides and lid. This is complimented with stripes of the lighter, toffee coloured buff willow and on the lid plait.
Pinsley
Woven in a combination of brown willows.
Named after the Pinsley Brook which flows around the Wegnalls willow bed, this is a predominantly homegrown willow coffin.*
For both the Pinsley and the Wye designs, willow colours and varieties ** vary depending on seasonal availability and what there is ready to weave within the time frame. (There can be a 10 – 14 day lead time due to the time needed for the willow to soak and be ready to weave.)
Looking for something unique?
We also offer bespoke willow coffins woven from your choice of willow varieties. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this possibility.
Please note:
- * Most of the brown willow used is homegrown in Herefordshire, although we also use some purchased from Somerset. The aim is to be self-sufficient by 2030 as the willow crop expands and establishes.
- ** Willow Colours and Varieties: ‘Brown’ willow refers to willow that has been dried with its bark on. They are not all brown though. Colours range from brown to green, orange, red and other darker natural tones. Being a natural product, the colours can vary even in the same willow rod depending on where they were grown and how they were dried!
- Not all colours are available year round, so please let us know if you have a preference and we can advise further.
- You can read more in-depth about the different willow types here.
- There are more photos of our coffins and how they are made on the Gallery page.
What makes Wegnalls willow coffins different to other wicker coffins that can be purchased online?
- Each coffin is handmade in Herefordshire and with your loved one in mind.
- As a local maker, Steph offers family-orientated, personal service. You can visit the workshop and one of our aims is to create a deeper connection between the natural materials, families and the finished coffin.
- Help to weave part of the coffin: This is a complimentary (and optional) service that we offer to our customers.
- Family, friends and loved ones are welcome to come to the workshop for a few hours to help weave a part of the coffin. If you are further afield or would prefer, we can send photos of the coffin in progress and when it is finished. You may wish to add some special fabric in the weaving, weave in some of your own willow or incorporate something else of meaning. Everything can be discussed and we will try to accommodate your wishes.
How do I order? What if i have a question?
To order a willow coffin or ashes casket, complete the Enquiry Form.
Alternatively if you would prefer to visit the workshop and have a chat in person, please get in touch so we can arrange a time that suits.
See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to find out more about our coffins, including pricing, delivery information and lead times.
What happens next?
Steph will go through the options available to you and answer any questions you may have.
After we have confirmed your order, we will contact your funeral director for any details required to begin the making process.
A 50% deposit is required before we begin weaving your coffin and the remaining balance will be due upon delivery or collection. Once all the details have been confirmed, I will issue an invoice.
Willow Keepsakes
As a special way to remember your loved one, I also weave bespoke keepsakes using the same willow and the offcuts from your coffin or ashes casket. These include willow hearts, dragonflies and swallows. Priced from £15.
Each keepsake is individually handcrafted, creating a unique and lasting memento that shares the same materials and craftsmanship as your loved one’s coffin.
Willow Ashes Caskets
We can weave a willow ashes caskets / urns to match your chosen Wegnalls Willow coffin. They can also be purchased separately.
Woven in any combination of buff, white or brown willows. Or you can add stripes of colour with our dyed cane selection.
Each basket features the same hand carved willow toggles and Welsh woollen braid loops as our coffins.
All ashes caskets have a calico lining sewn in to the basket (or you can provide your own lining material) like our coffins. They also include a drawstring calico cotton ashes bag.
Furthermore, they are 100% biodegradable, made without any glues, plastic or metal. Perfect for both traditional and green burial sites.
Prices start at £120
These are some of the cremation ashes caskets that have been commissioned recently, but other options are available. Send us a message to discuss further.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to find out more about our coffins, including pricing, delivery information and lead times.
What Families Say about wegnalls willow coffins
