Cemetery site reserved for natural burials

Wanganui District Council has set aside a section of Aramoho Cemetery for natural burials.
The area, measuring more than 1700sq m, is located next to the Muslim section of the cemetery.
In a natural burial, a body is not embalmed and is usually wrapped only in a shroud, although a biodegradable casket can be used.
Natural burials require their own section of the cemetery because the bodies are buried at a very shallow depth to allow them to decompose naturally.
No headstones or artificial decorations may be used in a natural burial site, to preserve the environment.
The issue of natural burials first came before the council in 2006 when a natural burials group approached it.
Council at that time agreed to put aside a section of the planned cemetery extension for natural burials.
But the extension has been delayed, so council had to decide whether to designate an area of the existing cemetery.
The issue came before the community and environment committee on Thursday.
There was little discussion on the matter from councillors, and the committee unanimously agreed to set aside the land for natural burials.
The site will cost the council $10,000, which is to be included in the annual plan.
Laura Cleveland, from Cleveland Funeral Home, said her business had been in discussions with the council about a natural burial site.
Mrs Cleveland said she had had some interest in natural burials, but most people opted for the "eco burial", which she described as a compromise between a mainstream burial and a natural burial.
"We offer a natural pine casket with an unbleached calico lining - there's no synthetics at all."
Eco burials did not require the body to be buried in a separate part of the cemetery, she said.
"Most people want to be buried near their family, not off on their own in a different part of the cemetery."
She said the company also had natural chemicals it could use to help keep a body intact for some time without embalming it.
She said her firm was able to carry out natural burials, if the site did go ahead.
Jim Forrest, from Dempsey and Forrest, said his firm had occasional inquiries about natural burials, but he felt there was not much interest in them.
"We provide an eco-friendly casket. There's more interest in them than there used to be, but even that is a low percentage."
The committee's decision will go to the full council meeting on April 18 for ratification.