Seeing Death Clearly Exploring Memorial Forests with Gillian Nye
In this episode, we explore memorial forests with Gillian Nye. Gillian shares her six years of experience helping families create meaningful, conservation-focused memorials through Better Place Forests.
Better Place Forests offers a natural alternative to traditional cemeteries, allowing families to choose a memorial tree where ashes are placed beneath the soil. The process is guided by ecological principles, mixing ashes with forest soil to support decomposition while preserving the health of the trees. Families can select their tree in person or virtually, with options for personalizing the memorial experience.
Gillian describes how these forests, ranging from 40 to 180 acres, are minimally developed to maintain their natural beauty. Trails, welcoming spaces, and simple amenities make them accessible while honoring the environment. Each tree is tagged for identification, ensuring families can return to visit and connect with their loved one’s memorial.
Memorial ceremonies vary widely, reflecting the unique wishes of each family. From singing songs and sharing poetry to incorporating personal items like Tibetan bells, these gatherings are deeply personal and often include meaningful rituals. Gillian highlights the beauty of adding dried flowers to the ashes and soil mixture, a touch that enhances the sensory experience of the ceremony.
She recounts touching stories, such as families recognizing their chosen tree from online photos or honoring loved ones by placing ashes together beneath a single tree. These moments, she explains, are a testament to the emotional connection people form with their memorial trees.
Better Place Forests also ensures long-term access to memorial trees by registering deeds with local counties. Families can authorize multiple ash placements under a single tree, accommodating future memorials. Gillian emphasizes the flexibility of the process, allowing families to hold back small amounts of ashes for other purposes or rituals.
This episode offers a heartfelt look at how Better Place Forests creates spaces for reflection, healing, and connection to nature, transforming end-of-life planning into a meaningful and personalized experience.
https://www.betterplaceforests.com/
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