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’ or 90cm. Burial in a shroud results in quicker decomposition because there are no air pockets and contact with the soil starts the return immediately. For this reason burial in a Leafcocoon can be a few inches/cm shallower.
This may be the first time time you have had to organise a funeral. It can be a very confusing time and the timeline below is designed to help you:
Where do I start and who should I speak to first?
First; You can ring me, Yuli, on 07763 935897. It can feel like a big step and there is no obligation. I will do my best to answer your questions.
Practical details such as burial/cremation choices, size, with or without a cover, costs, delivery and anything else can come when you are ready, in your own time.
Second: If you are choosing a natural burial site, then it’s best to contact them and arrange a visit and book a plot.
This list may be of help, but as the natural burial movement is growing fast, it is not definitive.
Third: Contact your funeral director (if you are using one), to make the arrangements. It’s worth shopping around to find someone you feel comfortable asking questions with.
Can you use a shroud for cremation?
Yes. The advantage of a wool shroud for 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”. Emissions are negligible compared to conventional coffins. The Leafcocoon with external cremation board is certified and safe to use in most crematoriums, but we contact your crematorium direct to double-check.
Do I order direct or through the Funeral Director (FD)?
Ordering direct from us means that we can be certain about your requirements. However, there are many funeral directors who work with us regularly and they will also be happy to take your order, then they will include the cost in their invoice. Either way, we always speak direct to the FD. 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 48 hour delivery service and we like to allow a minimum of one extra day before the funeral. So, if possible, please allow 3 to 5 days for delivery.
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. There are natural absorbent materials and a certified paper liner hidden in the integrated base of the Leafcocoon (for burial) eco coffin alternative which takes care of this. For the cremation version of the Leafcocoon, a leakproof paper liner is optional and taken on a case-by-case basis.
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 that are emitted during cremation.
Can one decorate a wool felt cover?
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, it can be very cathartic and therapeutic to spend time with loved ones decorating a cover. Apart from the needle felting technique - which is easy to learn - you can embroider, appliqué, or use certain art materials, such as chalk pastels, felt tips or even natural items such as flowers, leaves and branches.
We can send a cover to you separately and ahead of time.
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 (17th/18th Century) 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.
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. On an emotional level, people find that a natural burial gives them space to connect with nature and each other in a more relaxed way, without the pressure of a short slot at a crematorium.
Is there enough space for everyone to be buried? Are 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. You could contact your council and ask if they offer natural burial, and the more the public ask for this, the more likely it is that councils will provide it. However, most of the UK natural burial sites are privately owned.
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.
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 or email.
Tel: 01647 433929 / 07763 935897
Email: info@bellacouche.com
Alternatively visit Bellacouche Felt Studio Workshop in Chagford, Devon, UK
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
The bases are made in different sizes, but are otherwise all the same. We aim to keep a range ready to go out quickly.
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.
Do I need a nameplate?
We create a simple nameplate in natural fabric which we sew to the shroud upon request, free of charge. Some funeral directors require this to avoid any confusion. We therefore need:
The name of the person
Date of death and age
What packaging will my items arrive in?
We have experimented over the years with returnable packaging that is easy and safe to use. We now use up- cycled sleeping bags that are sourced from our local re-use centre. We provide an (up cycled) pre-paid return bag and appreciate your co-operation when it is mailed back to us for re-use.
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.
