Planting a memorial tree is a great idea. It provides an focus for remembrance, it represents life going on and the passage of time.

Things to consider:

• You should plant a memorial  tree that is native to the UK e.g. an Ash, Beech or Sessile Oak
• Consider the size and shape of the tree make sure reflects the landscape eg Spruce in Scotland
• Plant one that encourages wildlife eg Birch is a good all-round tree attracting many species of birds and insects
• You may also wish to consider the symbolism e.g. Rowan and Hazel trees hold a special place in British history and were used used in ancient druid/pagan ceremonies
• Consider how long the tree will they live for e.g. the Yew tree can live for a 1000 years, but the berries are poisonous so this is not often seen in hedgerows or fields.
• A number of companies operate memorial woodlands – they will plant and maintain a tree for you.  Some of these woodland sites are for burial, some for ashes and some for both.
• If you are paying someone else to do it, check – is it your tree or is someone planting it anyway and you are paying for it to be dedicated?  It depends what you want, but it isn’t the same thing. Generally a simple way to tell is the price – if it is your tree, planted on a space for you it will cost in the region of £500. If it is a dedication it will cost significantly less. You should check what you are getting for that money – replacement tree if it is necessary; access to the site; guarantee it will not be harvested on maturity.
• We have found one company in the Lake District that offers the full service in a cremation ash only woodland Lakeland foresters – and/or have a look at out blog post about it – Memorial woodland in the lake District. We are looking more and we will put together a page when we have a enough.

Or have a look at this!

 
Here is something we love an urn designed to hold ashes, compost and a seed(s). It utilises the natural qualities of the ash (phosphate) as a type of fertiliser. It has been design by Martín Ruiz de Azúa a spainish conceptual designer. His Urn is a biodegradable urn made from coconut shell, compacted peat and cellulose and inside it contains the seed, we think this is superb – the tree has a direct connection with the ashes, as it found nourishment within them…

Cost £64.50 + £4 p&p 

Payment is via the secure PayPal system, we aim to process and send out the order within 24 hours, the urn will be sent via first class Royal mail.