Finding the spot

There are usually no markers on the ground to indicate the position of the grave. Even if there are, the grass will sometimes grow over these. We hope that the following methods will help you to relocate the grave. Don't worry, if you struggle, we can help. We can even flag the spot for you.

Using your phone

This method is straightforward and should get you within 5m of the precise spot as long as there are no trees to block the satellite signals

Using tape measures

Using tape measures is the most accurate way and should pin point the position of the head of the grave (if the wind is gentle and grass is short). 

Using landmarks

This is the quickest way to get you to about the right place. Accuracy will depend on the closeness and individuality of the landmarks.

Locating the grave with just three words - what3words

We now provide you with the what3words address of the grave, as well as the GPS coordinates. 

​For example, our W3W office address is sweetened.retire.hours (which is much easier to remember than the GPS coordinates 51.812633, -2.7152923)

what3words is a really simple way to talk about location. They have divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and assigned each one a unique 3 word address.
​It means anyone can accurately find any location and share it more quickly, easily and with less ambiguity than any other system. 

The service can be used via the free mobile app (available here on the App Store, and on Google Play) or online map.
​

Using Google Earth or What3Words

Google Earth can use the Latitude and Longitude coordinates (on the grave location plan that we give you) to create a new 'Pin' in Google Earth, which can be renamed and saved to your device. The pin can also be shared with others.

This can also be done in Google Maps by simply typing the latitude and longitude coordinates (separated by a comma) into the 'Search Google Maps' box. Click on the 'Send to your phone' link to have the pin sent directly to you phone. You can then use these to get directions to the spot on site.

Using a ball of string!

One ingenious family uses a ball of kitchen twine to re-find the spot. They took a ball of string to the burial ground soon after the funeral and tied a loop in the end of the string and hooked it over the nearest survey point. They then walked over to the grave, pulled the string taut and tied a loop knot (tag) at the head of the grave. Holding the loop in place, they then walked to the next nearest survey point keeping the lines taut and tied a third loop which they hooked over the second survey point.
Simple triangulation, a lo-tech, accurate and easy method.
[Diagram here]