Tree burials are experiencing a surge in popularity - Tree burials are gaining popularity
In a forward-thinking move, Baden-Württemberg, the southwestern German state, has begun offering forest burials using state forest areas. This decision comes in response to an increasing demand for burials under trees, a trend that is gaining traction across the region.
Two new forest burial sites have recently been opened in Friolzheim (Enz district) and Wiesenbach (Rhein-Neckar district). The municipality is the carrier of these cemeteries, while Friedwald, the largest provider of forest burials in Germany, acts as a franchisor at these new sites.
The cultural officer of the Federal Association of German Funeral Directors, Simon Walter, has stated that both burial forests and cemeteries are likely to expand their offers around tree burials in the coming years. According to a Forsa survey from September 2020, 9% of respondents would like to be buried on a classic cemetery under a tree, and 16% would prefer a burial under a tree in a burial forest.
Baden-Württemberg is known for its progressive stance on natural burials, and it seems that expansion plans involve creating more forest cemetery spaces and streamlining legal frameworks to facilitate tree burials. The state is open to cooperations with other providers for forest burials, making it a hub for this eco-friendly and increasingly popular burial option.
Interestingly, more people nationwide want to be buried as close to nature as possible. Baden-Württemberg holds the most locations of Friedwald, the leading provider of forest burials in Germany. This underscores the state's commitment to providing environmentally friendly burial options.
While no specific figures or studies were provided on the increasing demand for tree burials in Baden-Württemberg or Germany in general, the trend is evident. As public awareness and demand for tree burials grow, it is likely that more municipalities and burial service providers will follow suit and offer more tree burial options.
In conclusion, Baden-Württemberg's decision to offer forest burials is a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly and natural burial options. As more people seek to be buried in harmony with nature, it is expected that other states will follow suit, transforming the landscape of burial practices in Germany.
- As the demand for environmentally friendly lifestyle choices grows, regional development in Baden-Württemberg may include more focus on sustainable-living practices, such as the expansion of forest burial sites for a home-and-garden approach to death.
- The increased popularity of forest burials in Baden-Württemberg is likely to lead to assistance and community aid for the development of less favoured regions in the state, as more municipalities and providers collaborate to offer this eco-friendly alternative, bolstering regional development.
