Natural Burial - A Return To Nature
Ken West MBE
- Region:
- East Midlands
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby
- Fee:
- Free: I will charge for travel, etc. if the distance is considerable
- Category:
- Nature
- Updated:
- 11th December 2019
- Tagged:
Cremation is not a way forward in the face of global warming. Over 300 natural burial sites now exist in the UK. Where a new natural burial site is proposed or a group is created to support a site, I might be a suitable speaker. My subject would be the introduction of natural burial in 1993, in Carlisle, UK and a world first. The idea is to create a nature reserve, perhaps woodland, an orchard, even a vineyard or allotments over an area of graves. The carbon footprint must be low and so this precludes intensive maintenance, such a mowing grass. This reduces funeral costs and the scheme must be intended to create diversity. Since 1993 the idea has spawned the eco coffin movement, green funeral directors and funeral celebrants. That said, the idea is not intended to foster paganism nor oppose religion in any way. It is simply a matter of putting the body back into nature in the least damaging way.
Views: 949 | Enquiries: 1About Ken West MBE
As a shielded person, I moved to the Peak District in December 2020 to avoid the crowded coast in Dorset. I am content to give talks to small groups but not in cramped locations. I can cover most of the Peak District.
My approach to prehistory is based on my horticultural, grounds management and ecological expertise. I designed and introduced the world's first natural burial site and wrote the Charter for the Bereaved in 1995. Apart from professional diploma's, I was awarded an MBE and an Honorary MA from Durham University. After retirement in 2006 I became an author. My first two books were death related. My third book was published in July 2019 and is called My Pagan Ancestor Zuri - A Parallel Journey: Christchurch to Stonehenge. In this, you will meet Zuri, our sophisticated pagan ancestor as she lives her life in Christchurch in 2200 BC. Her tribe is contrasted with the wealthy pensioners, the oldest population in the UK, who now live where her hut once stood.
I used my research for the book to prepare this 50 minute talk, with slides. It introduces people to their pagan ancestors, explains why they thrived in Dorset and why they were able to build Stonehenge.
See my blog called stonehengepensioner.com. My personal history and details of my previous two books are highlighted.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Ken West MBE
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