Poznan cemetery offers a sustainable burial plot

A ‘garden of remembrance’ rather than a distinct grave marker

The Junikowo Cemetery in the Polish city of Poznan has fenced off a small section of its wooded area to create a ‘Forest of Remembrance’. The idea for this plot, which otherwise has not been tampered with in any other way, is to let relatives of deceased and cremated people to scatter the ashes or bury them in biodegradable urns.

The space, which is some 180 square metres of surface, is quite unassuming and that is the whole point. It lets people be buried in a more non-traditional and eco-friendly way by returning their remains immediately to the embrace of Mother Nature.

Anonymity is a big part of this

The minimalistic design also means that there will be no tombstones or grave markers of any kind. Not even bouquets or wreaths will be allowed. Looking at it, you wouldn’t even think that this is a burial plot.

That kind of non-traditional approach to burials has long been a mainstay of new age and alternative subcultures, but with the mainstream rise in sustainability mindset among the general society, it has started to become more commonplace.

Instead of tombstones, there are two stone boulders placed at the entrance of the fenced-off plot. It’s on these that the names of the deceased will be carved on special request. Should people wish to leave flowers or candles, they will be able to do so at these ornamental rocks.

“The Forest of Remembrance will enable contemplation and visitors will be able to remember the dead among the rustle of the trees. Falling leaves and foliage will form the natural décor of this special place of memory, whilst the natural arrangement of the plot will mean it will not require cleaning, corrections or any additional decorations,” says an official statement from the cemetery, as quoted by The First News.

Forest burials are thus both more ecologically responsible and philosophically satisfying, as long as one can accept the anonymous nature of the process. It’s about turning from grieving to remembrance.