I started by designing shrouds for found dead animals and birds...
The badger inspired the idea of the leaf; and symbolises the cycle of life. And so the "Leafcocoon" concept came into being.
There were many practical issues to address, such as how the shroud was to be supported and carried.
Earlier versions were like this:
... which presented practical problems like posting, and who would make the bier.
This was resolved by making an integrated bier, hidden inside layers of felt, with absorbant materials building up a kind of mattress. Six strong carrying handles take the weight, and tests were carried out for weight bearing.
Various biodegradable liners were trialled and found to be inadequate and environmentally questionable, and the answer to this problem lies in the wool itself - simple.
The bier shown here was made by Guy Martin, from limewaxed ash, and is beautiful, but not necessary.
