What Happens at an Interment of Ashes?

Cremation now accounts for about 80% of all funerals in the UK, with direct cremation also becoming an increasingly common choice.

We explored what you can do with the ashes that are left after a cremation in this previous article, and one popular option we offer at Tithe Green Natural Burial is an ashes interment. If you’re new to the concepts of both ashes interment and natural burial, it’s understandable that you might want an idea of what to expect on the day.

If that’s the case, don’t worry, because the Tithe Green team is here to answer all your questions!

What is an interment of ashes?

At Tithe Green, interment involves placing ashes into a biodegradable container and burying them in either a woodland or wildflower meadow setting. The interment may or may not be accompanied by some kind of ceremony, but this is entirely a matter of choice for those organising it.

Where do interments of ashes usually take place?

In theory, interments of ashes can take place almost anywhere, as long as you have the permission of the landowner. In practice, it makes sense to use somewhere you can be confident you’ll always have access. This usually means traditional graveyards, memorial gardens at a crematorium or at natural burial grounds such as the ones managed by Tithe Green.

Who leads the interment of ashes ceremony?

At Tithe Green Natural Burial, it can be anyone you want to! Our natural burial grounds are open to all faiths and those with no faith, so you have the choice of who takes the service or leads the ceremony. Our local celebrant Alison – who also happens to be our resident beekeeper! – can lead all types of ceremonies and is particularly experienced at creating bespoke services built around the character of the person being remembered and the wishes of their family and friends.

What should I wear to an ashes interment ceremony?

At Tithe Green, your ashes interment ceremony can be as formal or informal as you want it to be. We’re certainly not going to impose any kind of dress code! If you’ve been invited to an interment and you’re not sure what to wear, check with whoever is organising it to find out if they have a preference.

How long does an interment of ashes last?

We usually allow up to about 30 minutes, but if you think you’ll need longer, just get in touch with us in advance and we’ll see what we can do to accommodate your wishes.

Should I bring flowers or a gift?

If you bring a gift, it must be taken away at the end of the ceremony rather than being left at the site. If you bring cut flowers, you can leave the flowers themselves, but any plastic packaging or other non-biodegradable adornments must be taken away with you.

What happens after the ceremony?

That’s going to be down to whoever is organising it. Many people go on elsewhere for food, drinks and the opportunity to share memories of the person who’s been laid to rest. All of our sites are close to towns and villages with a range of venues suitable for such occasions.

Here at Tithe Green Natural Burial, you can enjoy an environmentally-friendly ashes interment that allows you to conduct the ceremony or service that you want.

We offer direct cremation with ashes interment or natural interment only, with the interment taking place in a woodland or wildflower meadow setting. All options are available at all our sites: Oxton in Nottinghamshire, Ketton in Rutland and Markfield in Leicestershire.

Get in touch today if you want to know more or make a booking.