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BROCKLANDS |
Woodland Burial |
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BROCKLANDS |
Woodland Burial |
The burial areas are divided into three main sections, as follows:
Single and Double Plots are dug to a depth of about 1.2 m. and all Doubles are side by side, and not the traditional 'double decker' arrangement.
The 3 plot sizes correspond to 3 treelists as follows:
The Ashes Plots come in one size which is large enough to be used for one, or two, burials. Either way, the tree will be planted after the first , or only , burial and then there is still plenty of room if a second ashes burial needs to be put in the plot at a later date (please note: we need to know at the time of burial whether the plot is being used as a single , or as a double grave: in the case of a double ashes burial, two bronze markers will be used, and the ashes will be buried either side of the tree; in the case of a single ashes burial, one bronze marker will be used and the ashes will be buried directly under, or slightly to the front of the tree,). Trees are chosen from list C, and native flowers and bulbs are also put in.
Ashes may be interred in a biodegradable container or simply buried loose in the ground. Similarly, a Single Plot or Double Plot may be used for an ashes burial, if a particular tree is desired. So, for example, if a family wishes to have an oak tree for an ashes burial, a Double Plot can be purchased and used for this purpose.
Single Plots have a tree planted (from lists B or C) at the next planting time, and native plants are also included.
With Double Plots two people can choose to be buried side by side: when the first burial takes place, the plot next to it is reserved until needed by the second person. Although this option is often used by couples, it can be any family member or indeed friend, who uses the second plot. Double Plots have no tree planted after the first burial, but native flowers and bulbs are put on the grave. After the second burial a tree (from list A, B or C) is planted centrally on the plot. If, however, a Double Plot is used for one burial only, then the grave is positioned centrally in the plot, and the tree is planted at the next planting time. (Please note: once a Double Plot has been used for a single burial in this way, it is not possible to add a second burial at a later date.)
These various options provide a wide choice for families, who can select from a range of plot sizes and tree types. The Burial Fee includes all trees, flowers and bulbs. Flowers and bulbs are planted at different times of the year, depending when is appropriate. Planting time for trees is November or March, usually allowing a period of up to 6 months for a grave to settle; although in the case of ashes plots this can be a much shorter time, and a tree can even be planted at the time of burial. (Please note: all Single Plots (even when prepurchased) take the next available space when the time for burial comes: specific plots cannot be chosen on the site as this would make it difficult for woodland to become established. Plots would be scattered all around, and the roots of growing trees could be damaged as new graves were dug next to existing ones).
Any of the three types of plot may be purchased in advance, in which case a Deed of Grant (signed by both parties) is issued, which secures burial rights for the purchaser for a period of 75 years. This means that for 75 years from the date of purchase, the purchaser has the right to use the plot for the burial of someone, not necessarily him- or herself.
Headstones are not used at all on our burial site, and there are no vases of flowers, statues or other artificial objects. This is not a cemetery, it is a place where graves become a part of the landscape.
All graves are dug and filled in predominantly by hand, although a mini-digger may be used to assist in the process. If any friends or relatives wish to assist in the digging or filling in of the grave (which some find is helpful in the bereavement process), this can be arranged.
Each grave (including Ashes plots) is marked with a unique bronze number, which is buried just below ground level, and is carefully recorded on a detailed plan. All Ashes Plots have an 'A' followed by a unique number for that plot, e.g. 'A21'.Single Plots have a number prefixed by 'S' e.g. 'S21', and Doubles have a number prefixed by 'D' e.g. 'D21'.
After the burial has taken place, all the details are recorded in our Burial Register (as is required by law), and the next of kin is given a Certificate of Burial with date, the unique plot number, and the burial register number on it, for future reference.
When a burial takes place at Brocklands, the arrangements are at the discretion of the family of the deceased. Sometimes there has been a church service, followed by burial at Brocklands with up to 50 or 60 mourners; other times there has been a service (either religious or non-religious) in the Haybarn at Brocklands, followed by committal; and sometimes there may only be a handful of immediate family present, to give their own private farewell. There may be limousines, tractors, horse-drawn carriages, live music, recorded music, balloons, traditional black dress-code, or informal dress-code. Every family is different, and every funeral is different, too. (See What to do when somebody dies ).
The watch-word here is flexibility, and as long as our Terms and Conditions are met, most things are possible.