Resting Reef is an opportunity to celebrate life. While we acknowledge the sadness that death brings, we believe the act of memorialising can be transformed into a life-affirming experience.
We are on a mission to provide a meaningful, sustainable, and impactful alternative to conventional methods of commemorating a loved one, with a new tradition around death that truly honours life.
Designed for people and planet
Through our death care and memorial service,
Resting Reef is committed to:
1.
HONOURING LIVES IN A CHANGING WORLD
Traditional ways of remembering loved ones are becoming difficult to sustain. Conventional end-of-life care practices can often be environmentally harmful, burial spaces are at full capacity in major cities worldwide, and cremation itself leaves many without a permanent place to connect.
Recent studies reveal what families desire:
- 68% would consider green funeral options (NFDA, 2024)
- 72% want ashes placed somewhere that feels meaningful (Cremation Research Council, 2022)
- 85% of families want permanent and lasting memorial sites (NFDA, 2023)
- 58% of those who scatter ashes later regret lacking a specific place to visit (BBC Grief Survey, 2021)
Few options exist that balance permanence, ecological healing, and emotional meaning, until now: at Resting Reef we believe end-of-life care should reflect our values, comforting families while caring for our ecosystems.
2.
PRESERVE OUR OCEANS
The UN tells us that two-thirds of ocean ecosystems are struggling, which affects both marine life and the billions of people who rely on them.
Our memorial reefs actively restore marine ecosystems, using scientifically validated designs proven to boost biodiversity, including rare species and vital commercial fisheries. By aligning with seven UN Sustainable Development Goals, we don’t just rebuild habitats; we create economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Our efforts have been endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade program, exploring ‘Challenge 2 – protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity’, and ‘Challenge 10 – changing humanity’s relationship with the ocean’.
OUR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL
Marine restoration efforts worldwide remain critically underfunded, relying primarily on grants, donations, and public funding. Resting Reef offers a sustainable alternative; a model that not only finances restoration in vulnerable ecosystems but also actively engages families in conserving our natural world.
CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF DEATH
At Resting Reef, we advocate for safe spaces and new perspectives about death, moving away from outdated, bureaucratic services towards compassionate, sustainable, and personalised death care services.
Explore our servicesOur team
Resting Reef is certified by The Academy
of Professional Celebrants.
Louise Skajem
Co-founder and Head of Sustainability and Product
Aura Murillo
Co-founder and Head of Experience and Service Design
Dr. Zach Boakes
Restoration and Conservation Lead
Wei Zhang
Design and Production Lead
Fostering sustainable impact
Hear from others
Urns made from pulverized ash shells can create oyster habitats that capture as much as 5 million pounds of CO2 over the course of three years.
In partnership with
Eden
Funeral Directors
The Good
Funeral Guild
London Aquarium
Conservation and Awareness
Honor Pet
End-of-life care for pets
Certified by The Academy
of Professional Celebrants
What press say about us:
This artificial reef is made of pet ashes. Human ashes are next.
Resting Reef is redefining what a cemetery can be.
With every reef, Resting Reef aims to quietly reshape how we say goodbye — by initiating a new hello.
Contact us
At Resting Reef, we advocate for safe spaces and new perspectives about death, moving away from outdated, bureaucratic services towards compassionate, sustainable, and personalised death care services.
Get in touchPartners & Collaborators
Advisors
Advisors
Volunteers & Interns
Volunteers & Interns
Janet Murray
Business Advisor
Shea Cox
Pet Care, Partner and Advisor
Michael Saxton
Marketing Advisor
Adam Sutcliffe
Strategy Advisor
Andres Martell
Finance and Strategy Advisor
Professor Rick Stafford
Marine Biology
Have a question?
We are happy to answer
any questions directly.
Book a call
Supported by
Copyright Resting Reef 2025
Mainyard Studios, E9 5LN, London, UK
Brand & Website designed by MB Studio
