Sydney Natural Burial Park Kemps Creek Cemetery 30 November 2016

History of Natural Burial

Timeline • 1993 - first woodland burial ground created at Carlisle Cemetery, UK • 2008 – first natural burial in Australia opened at Lismore • 2010 – first Sydney natural burial area opened at Kemps Creek • Kemps Creek is 40 minutes from Sydney, close to Liverpool and Penrith • CCC looked to UK, where there are 300 natural burial areas and 10% of total

burials • Natural burial reduces the carbon footprint by 30kgs of CO2 per burial • Water usage is also reduced with lower garden and lawn maintenance • Documentary in 2014 A Will for the Woods explores natural burial and a

terminally ill American man’s decision to have one • Still a new concept to those in the wider community

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Westall Park – Worcestershire, UK

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Opening of St Francis

• 17 June 2010 - NSW Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly MP, opened Sydney’s first natural burial ground saying that it offered a cheaper, more environmentally friendly choice for families when it came to farewelling loved ones.

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What is a Natural Burial?

Natural Burial • Offers a simple, more environmentally friendly and cost effective option • Space for 300 at Sydney Natural Burial Park • Sydney is running out of traditional burial sites • Allows the body to return to the earth, in a way that allows it to recycle

naturally and does not inhibit decomposition, more sensitive to nature • Body prepared with out chemical preservatives or disinfectants • Dressed in biodegradable clothing

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What is a Natural Burial?

Natural Burial continued • Coffin is biodegradable, without metal handles • There are no individual headstones, to encourage natural foliage • Encourages native flora and fauna • Area is not maintained with horticultural chemicals • A central commemorative feature records the names of those interred • A simple wooden pavilion allows an area for memorial services or simply to sit and

contemplate • Epitrace – GPS technology allows visitors to locate the burial location and view on

Google maps

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Pinaroo Natural Burial Park - WA

Smithfield Memorial Park - SA

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Things to consider

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• Right of Burial: All graves purchased at the Sydney Natural Burial Park are double depth and permit 2 burial interments. The purchase is for 30 years, and can be renewed on expiry.

• Grave spaces may be purchased in advance, but will be allocated by the cemetery. Each grave will be accurately plotted via a GPS tracking system and recorded within the cemetery’s management database.

• Cremated remains: Any cremated remains interred in a grave within the natural burial area must be contained in a biodegradable/eco container and remains cannot be retrieved.

• Coffin materials: At the time of burial the remains shall be in a suitable biodegradable container. Wicker, sea grass, bamboo and cardboard coffins are all acceptable. Coffin/Casket fittings and its contents shall be made of sustainable, natural biodegradable materials only.

Things to consider • Materials which cannot be used: Any type of plastic or metal fittings, PVC,

glass, ceramic, metal, treated varnished timber, toxic glues or plastic sheeting inside the coffin/casket. Non-biodegradable material inside or outside the coffin.

• Embalming: No embalming fluids are permitted. • Grave Memorialisation: No headstone, edging or other stone, vase,

embellishment or any other structure shall be placed on or around the grave.

• Inscriptions: A communal memorial at the entrance to the natural burial area is available for the remembrance of the deceased.

• Floral Tributes: Floral tributes may be placed at the grave for the purpose of the funeral service only. Upon the completion of the burial, all floral tributes will be removed. Following this period, no floral tributes may be placed on or around the natural burial area. The planting of bulbs, plants or flowers etc on the grave is strictly prohibited.

• Exhumations: No exhumations will be permitted under any circumstances, except by direction of a Court of Law.

• Access: To encourage the growth of native flora and fauna, pedestrian access to the natural burial area is strictly prohibited, except for the purpose of placing the coffin/container for burial.

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Coffin options

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Coffin options

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St Francis Field

St Francis of Assisi • An Franciscan friar and preacher • One of the most venerated religious figures in history • He was designated Patron Saint of Italy and is associated with patronage of

animals and the natural environment • Francis told his companions to "wait for me while I go to preach to my

sisters the birds.“ The birds surrounded him, intrigued by the power of his voice, and not one of them flew away. He is often portrayed with a bird, typically in his hand

• Feast Day is 4 October – often hold ceremonies blessing animals

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St Francis Natural Burial Field

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Would you prefer this…

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Or this?

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What next?

Statement of Wishes • Talk to family and friends about what you are thinking for your final goodbye

and visit some cemeteries to look at options • Each person has different needs and honouring ones life should be as

unique as the person • Complete the SOW booklet, so your details and preferences are recorded,

relieving family from making decisions at a time of loss and grief