Preparing a grave for burial

Part of: Burials

Contents

When we open a grave, we need to mound the excavated soil onto adjacent graves. We will protect these graves with wooden boards.

After the burial

After the burial, the surrounding grass areas will be:

  • cleared of soil

  • all divots levelled off using topsoil and grass seed where necessary

  • left as tidy as possible

After care of the grave

After an interment, there will be a settlement period of the earth. This could take between 12 and 20 weeks.

The cemetery staff will level off the graves during this period. We will re-apply seed or turf to the area when ready.

Where a mason removes a memorial to allow for the grave to be prepared, they can only be replaced when the ground is consolidated and firm.

This arrangement is the responsibility of the grave rights owner along with their chosen memorial mason.

Exhumations

Exhumations may be arranged in accordance with either a

  • Ministry of Justice Licence 

  • Faculty from the Church of England Diocese

The owner of the grave rights must make the application and pay the correct fee. We will assist with the completion and submission of this paperwork. A fee for this is payable.

The owner of the grave rights must pay the full cost of the exhumation. You will need to pay this fee before we start the exhumation.

Memorial insurance

The erection of a memorial is at the sole risk and responsibility of the owner of the grave rights.

We strongly advise all grave owners to insure their memorial. The cemetery office or the mason can advise accordingly.

Any memorial mason who undertakes any work within our cemeteries must be able to guarantee their work for at least 10 years.