We appreciate that during this difficult time you will have to
make important decisions about the cemetery and grave you want for
the funeral.
What types of graves are available?
Lawn graves
The typical lawn grave is a grave that is laid to lawn level
with the ground with no kerbs and has no mounds or surrounds. At
the head of the grave the registered owner may install a headstone
and vase. The headstone can be bought from the monumental mason of
your choice. The grave owner is responsible for looking after the
area around the headstone. In front of the headstone is a planting
out area (2'6" x 2'). The area in front of the headstone and garden
space is levelled, turfed and maintained by the Council.
Memorials on lawn graves must be made of marble, granite or a
natural stone. You may put a vase plate that is no more than 2 feet
wide by 12 inches deep by 2 inches thick in front of the headstone.
Vase plates must be freestanding and not fixed to the headstone in
any way. Grave owners are advised to have the grave number
inscribed onm the vase plate and make sure that the number can be
seen. This type of grave also has a small garden space where you
can plant flowers.
Lawn grave with kerb surround
The Council will permit kerbs to be placed around graves in
the lawn section, providing the registered owner signs an agreement
to be responsible for future maintenance of the grave, kerbed
surround and a minimum of 50cm around the kerbed surround. This is
to assist the Council with overall maintenance of the cemetery that
is more problematic where there are kerbed surrounds.
Woodland Graves
We are considering the introduction of woodland graves in
certain cemeteries because some people want to be buried in an area
of natural beauty. These graves are in a separate area in which no
memorials are allowed other than Marker Stones. This is to protect
the naturalness of the area. A small tree will then be planted
close to the grave.
As with all private graves in the cemetery we grant the Grant
of Exclusive Right of Burial for a set period of time. Grant of
Exclusive Right of Burial in purchased woodland graves is for up to
50 years.
The only memorial permitted for Woodland Graves are Woodland
Burial marker stones which state deceased, year of birth and death
and grave number and section. We do not allow mounds on graves in
the woodland section of the cemetery. Please note that grass
cutting is kept to a minimum. This option is not currently
available but is being considered for the future.
Traditional Graves
Traditional graves have a concrete landing that is put over
the entire grave after the burial. In the traditional grave the
landing is placed directly on the ground. The owner of the Rights
of Burial can have a memorial put on this landing.
All memorials on traditional graves must be securely fixed on
the landing. Traditional grave, part constructed 8' x 3'6" Before
the concrete landing is installed, the grave is excavated to a
depth of 2'6" and a course of brickwork is provided as a solid
foundation. This allows a substantial memorial to be provided and
there is no danger of later subsidence.
Memorials
We know how important memorials are as a lasting symbol of
remembrance.
We offer technical advice and help to make sure that all
memorials meet cemetery regulations.