Coronavirus precautions
Our natural burial grounds are open and we are able to offer funerals and burials. We are also able to offer scatter of ashes, interment of ashes and memorial tree planting where permitted, however you may wish to delay these until a later date when attendance is not limited.
Please note that attendance at funerals is by invite only and your details may be requested for test and trace.
Please do not attend funerals or visit the natural burial ground if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 (or have been in contact with or living with someone experiencing symptoms) until safe to do so.
We are able to permit visits to graves at the natural burial grounds however any visitors not part of a funeral party need to ensure that social distancing of at least 2m is adhered to. We recommend that hand sanitiser is used before opening and closing gates, and request that you do not approach funerals or burials that are taking place which follow separate guidance. Visitors to the natural burial grounds need to follow general guidelines for meeting outdoors with people outside of your household bubble.
Please note that attendance at funerals is by invite only and your details may be requested for test and trace.
Please do not attend funerals or visit the natural burial ground if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 (or have been in contact with or living with someone experiencing symptoms) until safe to do so.
We are able to permit visits to graves at the natural burial grounds however any visitors not part of a funeral party need to ensure that social distancing of at least 2m is adhered to. We recommend that hand sanitiser is used before opening and closing gates, and request that you do not approach funerals or burials that are taking place which follow separate guidance. Visitors to the natural burial grounds need to follow general guidelines for meeting outdoors with people outside of your household bubble.
Guidance for Funerals
To ensure that mourners and staff are safe we are currently following government guidance for funerals, please be aware there is different guidance for England, Scotland and Wales.
For our latest Covid 19 update on numbers that are able to attend funerals please click here.
General Guidance on funerals, wakes and ceremonial events can be found at the links below:
Wales:
https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions#section-58346
https://gov.wales/guidance-funerals-covid-19
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-funeral-services/pages/funeral-service/
England:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
http://www.dmag2020.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Managing_a_Funeral_Guidance_07_April.docx.pdf
Additional measures in relation to our burial grounds:
We will gladly do our best to answer any questions you might have by telephone, but regrettably we can no longer accept visitors to the office.
For more information on funerals and Covid 19 please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our best wishes to all and stay safe.
To ensure that mourners and staff are safe we are currently following government guidance for funerals, please be aware there is different guidance for England, Scotland and Wales.
For our latest Covid 19 update on numbers that are able to attend funerals please click here.
General Guidance on funerals, wakes and ceremonial events can be found at the links below:
Wales:
https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions#section-58346
https://gov.wales/guidance-funerals-covid-19
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-funeral-services/pages/funeral-service/
England:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
http://www.dmag2020.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Managing_a_Funeral_Guidance_07_April.docx.pdf
Additional measures in relation to our burial grounds:
- Access - We recommend bringing hand sanitiser and using this before and after opening gates to the natural burial ground. Please be aware that we do not have the facilities to wash hands at the natural burial grounds.
- Notification - we must be told if the deceased died of corona-virus.
- Restrictions on funerals - please refer to the latest guidance.
- Wakes including picnics and post funeral gatherings - guidance on gatherings following a funeral service can be found within the general funeral guidance above:
- Contact with remains - we recommend that coffins should not be carried on shoulders. Our custodians will protect themselves by keeping a distance away from the funeral party and will not shake hands or have physical or close contact with funeral staff, visitors or mourners. Back-filling the grave will be carried out by machine only.
- Office Procedures - arrangements should only be made by email/phone/BACS - please scan and email forms as pdf copies
- Cancellation - it is possible that we will not have the human resources to undertake the funeral as requested. We must therefore reserve the right to cancel at any time. If possible we will make alternative arrangements. If not, we will refund the burial ground's charges.
We will gladly do our best to answer any questions you might have by telephone, but regrettably we can no longer accept visitors to the office.
For more information on funerals and Covid 19 please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our best wishes to all and stay safe.
