DIY and Woodland Burials
Whilst cremation is still a common choice for many people, it is not the only option open to us. Interest in ‘Green or Woodland Burials’ has been growing rapidly.
A Green Burial is one where the body is buried on land that is managed so that it is attractive to wildlife and sustainable flora. In many of these sites, a tree is planted instead of a headstone. The idea behind this is that as time passes, the site will be transformed into woodland and the creation of a self-supporting eco-system.
Many local councils have now set up woodland burial sites. If your local council has not established a woodland burial site, it is still possible to purchase a plot from a council that does provide a site – though it will be more expensive for a non-resident.
Hardwood coffins are not recommended as they take a long time to biodegrade and as such many people opt for cardboard. If a cardboard coffin is used be very careful not to get it damp as it may decompose a little faster than wanted! Another alternative to wooden coffins are wicker coffins or even a wicker platform with the body wrapped in a shroud.
Contrary to popular belief, you are not forced to use a funeral director. Whilst they may have the professional experience, some relatives may feel that they wish to perform this service themselves. LifeRites can offer assistance and advice on what needs to be done and can provide an experienced celebrant to conduct the ceremony if required.
Whilst the choice may be made not to use the services of a funeral director, it must be noted that with the delay between the death and the funeral nowadays, it may not be advisable to keep the body at home during this time. There are many funeral directors who will provide storage facilities and allow relatives into the chapel of rest to dress the deceased prior to the funeral. Where the deceased has died in hospital it may be possible to make arrangements with the hospital to keep the deceased with them until the day prior to the funeral. Information on keeping the body at home and other related issues may be found in the “New Natural Death Handbook” produced by the Natural Death Centre or by contacting them direct.
The first thing that needs to be found is a plot for the grave. This can be, but not limited to, a woodland burial site as described above. The laws surrounding the planning permission for a grave are very vague.
In essence, you do not need planning permission for the burial of one or two people. Nor do you have to contact the Environmental Health Department. All you actually need is the permission of the landowner (which may be yourself if you own the land). It is however, very advisable to append a plan of the location of the gravesite to the deeds of the house. Note however, that if you are planning to create a grave in the back garden, this may have a detrimental effect on the resale value of the property. It is also advisable to talk to your local council to check whether there any by-laws which will limit what you can do.
One thing to note however, is the local water table. It is suggested that a body should not be buried within 10 meters of any standing or running water. If you are in any doubt, then contact the Department for the Environment for advice.
Some old towns may have regulations about the minimum depth of a grave. This is commonly of the order of 30 inches (less than 3 feet). It is however, advisable to use a depth of about 4 foot as this will then allow about 3 foot of soil between the upper body and the surface of the ground. There may also be limitations on how near to the land boundary you may place the grave.
When choosing a site for a grave, you need to be practical. A sandy site will be dangerous to dig at whatever depth and a rocky site will limit the depth that you will be able to dig.
You will need to have careful measurements of the body (or coffin, if one is used) to ensure that the grave is large enough. To ensure this, you could make the measurements and cut lengths of dowling rod to size and lower this into the grave. The first two feet of the grave should be shored up so that it is supported when the mourners gather round.
To lower the body into the grave, at least two long lengths of rope will be needed. If the ropes are to be recovered, then there will need to be space between the body and the earth to pull them through. The grave does not have to be filled in immediately after the ceremony, but if it is not, then it is useful to have a board to cover the grave to stop people falling in.
You are required to make a register for the grave. This entails a sheet of paper with the name, address, date of birth and age of the deceased, the date and place of the burial and the name of the Officiant. A drawing showing the exact location of the gravesite also needs to be kept with this register. These need to be kept safe to prevent the grave being accidentally disturbed. If the gravesite is on private land, then it may be an idea to keep the register with the deeds of the property.
What is included in the ceremony is of personal choice and suggestions may be found in our leaflet “Saying Farewell” which should be used in conjunction with this leaflet in order to ascertain what needs to be done legally when someone dies.