People are attracted to natural burials for many reasons, such as religious,
spiritual, environmental, consolation when facing death, and family.
A natural cemetery has three components:
The burial method; no embalming, 1m deep plot, rapid bio-degradable
non-pollutant caskets, compost soil and over-planting with native trees.
This enables natural processes to take place, returning the body’s
nutrients to the ecosystem rapidly and without pollution.
The burial is effectively an environmental donation – both
physically and monetarily. By being buried, the person provides resources
to start and sustain the natural restoration of land, for the regeneration
of native flora and fauna.
Bush cemeteries are beautiful locations, naturally and for human use.
They are equipped with interpretative centres and facilities commemorating
those interred there, walkways through the bush, and places for contemplation
and family gatherings.
Ecosystem restoration plans dictate the growth of the cemetery over the
whole site from the current state to the desired and appropriate ecosystem.
Initial cemetery operations are usually restricted to a central 2-5 hectare
area most practical for the early stages of the environmental restoration
task. The main part of the project will occur over an extended period
[often around 25 years).
Cemetery plots follow the path of the initial restoration stage (plots
and ecological restoration have similar requirements). When the site is
“full” (only about two thirds of any site is intended for
actual plots) the restoration project will have also reached a low maintenance
stage. At this point, a Trust maintains the restoration impetus into the
last self-sustaining phase and oversees the site for public access in
perpetuity.
The cemetery are often full ecological projects. Not only will the land
be restored, but the whole site can be, as far as practical, self-sufficient
and energy efficient. Facilities sometimes feature water catchment, solar
heating and lighting, recycling, and buildings constructed from energy
efficient and non-toxic / non-polluting materials.
Choose from our own range or other caskets we have
certified. Buy these direct from our certified funeral
directors - a small donation is made to Natural Burials
with each casket purchased.
