In Łódź, ecological burials in urns have been possible since August 9 this year. The Forest of Memory was established in the forest area of the municipal cemetery “Szczecińska”. The plot of land at the Poznań cemetery in Junikowo is 180 m², in Łódź it is 360 m².
The ecological section of the Krakow cemetery is smaller, measuring exactly 133 square meters and containing 135 graves. Of course, it will be possible to expand it if there is a lot of interest. There will be no problem with lack of space, because although Krakow’s youngest cemetery, in Podgórki Tynieckie, currently covers only 2 hectares, it will be expanded to 9 hectares by 2027.
What does an ecological cemetery look like?
The eco-neighborhood itself is not wooded – impressive old trees grow nearby (the Podgórki Tynieckie cemetery is located on the outskirts of Krakow in a densely wooded area). It is surrounded by a yew hedge, ensuring privacy and tranquility. The entrance is a wooden gate with a stone inscribed “Trees of Memory”. This is a symbolic place where visitors can leave traces of remembrance – flowers (only live ones), candles (only eco-friendly ones) and candles – also only eco-friendly, made from soy.
The area of the land was covered with a sedum mat, which absorbs rainwater, sustaining the ecosystem and creating a place that “coexists” with nature. Each grave will have dimensions of 50 cm x 50 cm. There will be no crosses or headstones, just a temporary wooden plaque with the deceased’s details and, finally, a headstone with the deceased’s first and last name.
The first necropolis of its kind in Poland. Will more memory forests be created?
There are no artificial flowers, wreaths, concrete paths or candles. Only bushes, trees and two stone tablets. The cemetery area is surrounded by a fence and you cannot enter it. This is what the Forest of Memory looks like at the Junikowski Cemetery in Poznań. This is the first necropolis of its kind in our country.
Not only the funeral urns will be environmentally friendly. As Rafał Cichewicz assures, the cremation coffins and the clothes of the deceased in which they will be cremated will also be environmentally friendly.
