Breach Farm is a peaceful woodland burial ground on a hillside overlooking the Bourne Valley near St Mary Bourne, Hampshire. Established in 2001, the site offers cremation plots in tranquil natural surroundings where native memorial trees, shrubs and bulbs can be planted in place of traditional headstones. All faiths are welcome, and non religious ceremonies with music, poetry and shared Read more…
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Eco memorials offer a way to say goodbye that gives something back to nature. Biodegradable urns are made from natural materials such as sand, salt, bamboo, paper or felted wool, designed to break down over time whether buried, placed in water, or left to weather outdoors.
Tree planting is one of the most popular eco options, either through a specially designed urn that incorporates a small amount of ashes into the soil around a young tree, or through dedicated memorial woodlands where a tree is planted in someone’s memory. It’s worth knowing that ashes on their own aren’t ideal for plant growth, their high pH and salt content can actually harm root systems in large quantities, which is why most tree-planting urns use only a small measured portion combined with a soil additive designed to neutralise this.
Below you’ll find UK providers offering biodegradable urns, memorial tree planting and other nature-based tributes.
What are biodegradable urns made from? Common materials include sand, salt, bamboo, felted wool, recycled paper and other plant-based fibres, all designed to break down naturally over time.
How long does a biodegradable urn take to break down? This varies by material and location, water urns often dissolve within minutes to hours, while buried urns can take months to a few years.
Can ashes really be used to grow a tree? Yes, but only in small, carefully measured amounts alongside soil treatment, most memorial tree kits are specifically designed to balance this out safely.
Do you need permission to plant a memorial tree? On your own land, no. In a public space or on someone else’s land, you’ll need permission from the landowner or local council.