Caz Ingall and her husband Tom make beautiful, bespoke coffins from willow and hardwoods, all grown sustainably in the UK. These are handcrafted in a converted farm building on their organic farm in Radford Semele, just outside Leamington Spa and only around 35 minutes from Alne Wood Park. 
 
Caz’s route into making coffins came from an existing interest in working with woven willow, mainly for basketwork. Subsequently, after helping to weave a relative’s coffin in 2015, she realised this was something that she felt drawn to do herself. Several years later, Caz and Tom trained with renowned willow weaver Mel Bastier and founded Wild Heart Coffins.

As can be seen in the photograph, the workshop shows the beauty and deceptive simplicity of the process that starts with the willow which is then soaked and woven on a Douglas fir base with hardwood inserts and rope carrying handles.

Inside, the coffins have a natural calico lining, mattress, and pillow which is stuffed with hay – these are also made on the farm. The typical cost is around £750, although this does vary with chosen material and size, but seems very reasonable given the materials and skill that goes into each one.

In chatting with Caz, it was clear that making willow coffins is much more than just a business. She sees it as a way to reduce the modern tendency for disconnection with death, helping the recently bereaved to connect with a process that may help their grief. This is exemplified by giving people the opportunity, if they want, to come and be involved in part of the weaving process for their loved-one’s coffin.

In addition, there are the added benefits of willow coffins being incredible objects in their own right, something bespoke to honour the dead but also respect the environment. An expression of traditional skill and materials that likely pre-dates human civilisation.

At Alne Wood Park, a lot of people choose willow coffins as they both look very nice but are also completely biodegradable. If chosen carefully and sourced locally they are also one of the most eco-friendly choices available. These benefits are amplified by how closely located Wild Heart Coffins are to Alne Wood Park and also how closely their practice and goals aligns with what we’re trying to do. It was a real pleasure meeting Caz and seeing their workshop and we look forward to showing her round Alne Wood Park when she has time to visit.