Find out answers to some frequently asked questions about the bereavement services we offer.
Why are there so many different types of grave available at some cemeteries?
Some councils have introduced a wide range of graves to give people as many options as possible when arranging the burial of a loved one. For many, the lawn grave is considered to be the best option but for others a more traditional, elaborate and larger type of memorial is required. Burial above ground in a catacomb is available at some cemeteries as are vaults, brick graves and mausolea. It is really a matter of choice.
Why are graves dug so deep? It is distressing to see the coffin go down so deep.
Graves have to be dug to a sufficient depth to allow for future burials to take place should a family require more than one burial in a grave. Therefore, the grave needs to be deep enough to allow not only for the depth of coffins or caskets that will be buried, but also to accommodate legal requirements of undisturbed earth to be between each coffin and the amount of earth that must cover the last interment.
I have bought a grave, do I own the land?
No. You have purchased the exclusive rights of burial in the piece of land called the grave space. The ownership of the land remains with the burial authority. The exclusive right of burial in a council cemetery must not, by law, exceed 100 years.
Are graves filled in straight after a funeral or are they left to the next day?
Graves are prepared for burial at least one full day before the funeral and are covered overnight. The Institute of Cemetery and Cremation Management guiding principles for burial services states that immediately after the mourners have departed the graveside, the grave shall be entirely backfilled and made tidy.
This work is completed on the day of the burial and coffins should not be left uncovered overnight.
I understand that some people wait while the grave is filled in. Why is this?
Some cultures require that the grave is filled in while the family watch or they may wish to undertake the backfilling of the grave themselves. When families want this, it is essential that the cemetery staff are made aware of their requirements when the burial is being arranged. This will ensure that the family’s wishes are met and that their safety is protected during the backfilling process.
Can anyone witness the grave being filled?
Yes, but the cemetery will need to be advised of this before the funeral takes place so that necessary preparations are made in readiness.
How do you ensure you look after the environment?
In line with our declaration of a climate emergency, we are working towards making the North Yorkshire area carbon neutral by 2030, or as near to that date as possible. We do this in a number of ways.
Our buildings and facilities
In accordance with industry guiding principles on cremation, our policy allows for the holding over of cremations, principally to contribute to the reduction of emissions.
We are developing our buildings and energy sources on an evolving programme towards more environmentally friendly technologies with a principle aim to reducing carbon emissions and operating efficient facilities. All of our cremators are fitted with mercury abatement equipment.
Coffins
The coffin must be made of a suitable material which, when placed in a cremator and subjected to the cremation process, is easily combustible and which does not emit smoke, give off toxic gas or leave any retardant smears or drips after final combustion.
No metal of any kind shall be used in the manufacture of such coffin except as necessary for its safe construction and then only metal of a high ferrous content.
Cross pieces must not be attached to the bottom of the coffin. If it is desired to strengthen the bottom of the coffin, wooden strips may be placed lengthways for this purpose.
Cardboard coffins should not contain chlorine in the wet strength agent, for example not using polyamidoamine-epichlorhydrin based resin.
Coffin furniture and fitting
No metal furniture or fittings whatsoever shall be used on a coffin for cremation - coffin handles should be free from unnecessary metal components.
External coatings to a coffin must allow for smokeless combustion and the use of nitro-cellulose varnish, polyurethane, melamine and any products containing polyvinyl chloride must not be used in coffin construction or furnishings.
Water based lacquer free from additives containing heavy metals may be used for coating a coffin or a suitable cloth may be used for covering a coffin. The exception to this is the use of polystyrene which is restricted to the coffin nameplate only and this must not exceed 90 grams in weight.
Lining of the coffin
The use of saw dust, cotton wool or shredded paper within a coffin must be avoided. Lead and zinc linings must be avoided. If lining a coffin is necessary, the lining should be manufactured from polythene not exceeding 75 microns in thickness.
If circumstances require, suitable sealing material may be used, but no metal, rubber or polyvinyl chloride will be permitted and on no account must Pitch or similar such substance be used.
Clothing and coffin content
In order to minimise the release of pollutants into the air, it is recommended that clothing should be made of natural fibres and that shoes or any material manufactured from PVC should not be included.
Body adornments manufactured from copper should be removed as should any easily removable protheses or casts of plaster or other material.
Additional items, particularly of glass or plastic, should not be placed within the coffin.
Metal recycling
It was once acceptable to bury implants within the cemetery, but now it is a huge environmental concern. Implants are made from medical grade stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome. All non-renewable resources.
Metal recycling is carried out at all our crematoria in accordance with pre-set guidelines. We seek consent for the sensitive recycling of metals after cremation. All metal residues from the cremation process are sent to be recycled unless otherwise stated in the application form. Money raised from recycled metals is donated to local or national death related charities in the UK.
If you do not want the metals to be recycled we are happy to return them to you or leave them in the cremated remains. If they are left in the cremated remains they would need to be buried rather than scattered. Other metals may also be returned including ferrous metals, mainly nails from the coffin, and some small granules of precious metals.
Embalming environmental effects
Some burial schemes, such as woodland burial, may prohibit the use of chemicals including horticultural chemicals. Although research into the effects of embalming fluid on soil organisms and air quality is limited, environmentalists will generally disapprove of embalming. The fluid used for embalming is toxic and has the potential to cause a variety of illness to the user.
Those who have concerns over the effects of embalming and the environment have the right to stipulate that this is not carried out.
As part of our environmental commitment we discourage the use of single use plastics and kindly request that balloons and lanterns are not released or used within our grounds.