Burial

If you have arranged a burial preceded by a ceremony in a religious building or cemetery chapel, then people will gather in the building first for the minister to lead the service. The coffin will then be taken to the churchyard or cemetery and everyone will follow and stand around the grave as the coffin is lowered.

The minister will say some appropriate words at this time and afterwards the family and mourners may throw some earth into the grave before they depart. In some cultures it is traditional for the family to backfill the grave - it is important that the funeral director knows and can inform the cemtery staff of this in advance.

Sometimes the whole service is conducted at a graveside and if this is the case, do consider whether any chairs will be needed for elderly or disabled people who may find it difficult standing for so long.

‘Green' or Woodland Funerals

A ‘green' funeral is a term often used to describe a simple ceremony followed by burial in a grave in a woodland area. Often for these funerals the use of a cardboard or other form of biodegradable coffin is considered more environmentally friendly than using wood.

Woodland burial sites usually plant trees or wild flowers on or near graves instead of having a headstone, eventually turning the site into permanent woodland, providing a habitat for wildlife and woodland walks. A record is kept of all grave locations, often marked with a microchip. A new tree does not always mark graves but the whole area is eventually turned into natural woodland.

There are approximately 200 such sites across the UK, run by a variety of individuals and organisations such as farmers, local authorities, wildlife charities and private trusts. Funeral ceremonies at these sites can take whatever form you prefer, either conducted by a religious minister, or a celebrant.

It is important to check the deceased's papers to find out if they have already purchased a grave space in a churchyard, cemetery or woodland burial ground. Although there is no law preventing burials on private land, including a garden, if you want to do this you should contact your local authority who may issue a certificate confirming that the burial is lawful.

It is also inportant to consider whether this land will remain in the family for perpetuity and to ensure that no water courses or other utility mains will be affected - the local authority can advise. More than two burials on private land might be considered 'change of use' and planning permission might be required.