After a Cremation

Burial or Cremation

As an environmentally-aware organisation, we strenuously encourage burial rather than cremation. Cremation consumes a great deal of fuel, contributes to air pollution, and the ashes are so concentrated they are toxic to the natural environment. If you are looking for a funeral that makes sense for a nature-lover, for someone who strived to be eco-friendly, who cared for the natural world, you may be interested in our Sustainability Choices Chart below. This gives guidance so you can make decisions that really are best for the planet.

Options for Cremated Remains

If cremation is still your decision, or if you are looking for somewhere to lay a person to rest once they have been cremated, at Sun Rising there is the option of interring ashes.  Having a place where ashes are buried means family and friends have somewhere they can visit their loved one, to sit and talk, to reflect and find healing in nature's tranquility.

As with coffin burial, it is possible to inter ashes in meadow or woodland plots.  In woodland areas,  a sapling can planted on the plot about a foot from the grave. A small slate plaque can be placed in front of the tree.  In the meadow, graves disappear beneath the changing vista of native grasses and wildflowers, but a plaque can be bought for one of the pathside or trackside shared memorial posts.

Some families make arrangements to inter ashes through a funeral director, but it is also possible to do it directly with us.  Give us a call - we can meet and talk through your needs, hopes and ideas.

Please note: the scattering of ashes is strictly prohibited at Sun Rising.  This is because we are creating a nature reserve. Ashes are so concentrated, they alter the fertility and pH of the soil, killing the beautiful native wildflowers, and encouraging the growth of wasteland plants such as stinging nettles.

Ethical Caskets and Urns

If ashes are to be interred in a container at Sun Rising, they need to be in a biodegradable casket, urn or other container.

If you tell your funeral director that you are planning on interring the ashes at Sun Rising, they will offer you a range of card, willow, bamboo or unvarnished wooden containers.  We cannot accept caskets made of MDF with wood veneers, varnished wood or metal urns.  Otherwise, we can source many beautiful, ethical containers.  We also have our own beautiful card caskets, decorated with leaves and wildflowers.