At a large cemetery in Izegem(West Flanders) an urn forest is being created. Here, the ashes of the deceased can be buried in a biodegradable urn, as it were, allowing them to return to nature.
The urn forest will be located in a part of the cemetery that is currently a lawn. There is also a beautiful, large oak tree, which will be surrounded by benches so that relatives can rest or even hold a memorial service. There are no plans to place nameplates or memorial stones at the site indicating where someone's urn is buried. However, there will be a sign at the entrance to the forest listing all the deceased.
‘It is a fairly new way of burial in which nature plays a central role’ says alderman Bruno Lambert. We are waiting until after All Saints' Day to start construction, so as not to disturb anyone. But normally, the forest should be planted by the spring of 2026. There will also be a footpath through it.’
In addition to the urn forest, a ‘place of comfort’ for parents of stillborn children is also planned.