An Indie Cambridge article 1 July 2025
It'll probably come as no great surprise that in a place like Cambridge, with its huge numbers of cycling fans, you can choose a very fitting and environmentally friendly form of goodbye. As part of their cycle city community, ethical indie Woodland Wishes Funeral Services, known for their more personal and certainly greener way of operating, have added a new cycle hearse in addition to their existing all-electric hearse.
And truly independent funeral directors are becoming harder to find! It was while working for Cambridge homeless charity WinterComfort that owner Tracy O’Leary was asked to market woven willow coffins, reaching out to families yearning for a more relaxed service. Word spread, and Woodland Wishes evolved organically, since winning accolades for its biodegradable, sustainable and affordable products.
So, for a cycle enthusiast’s last ride out, friends and family can now accompany by them by riding or walking alongside the cycle hearse. The Woodland Wishes cyclist can wear traditional funeral wear or are happy to don something more colourful and relaxed to fit in with family wishes, leaving from home or a favourite meeting point for the final last ride journey. And for really personal touches, the cycle hearse can be decorated with flowers, banners and items that were dear to the person who has died.
It is the perfect alternative way to help family and friends say farewell to a loved one in a very personal and greener way, that no doubt will create fond memories of a special day of remembrance.
Woodland Wishes, 4 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH