How do I arrange a Woodland Burial?
All Woodland Burials are the responsibility of Durham County Council (DCC). The Council's Bereavement Services can be contacted on 0300 026 5609, by yourselves or by your Funeral Director.
All Woodland Burials are the responsibility of Durham County Council (DCC). The Council's Bereavement Services can be contacted on 0300 026 5609, by yourselves or by your Funeral Director.
Under normal circumstances the Lodge can be hired, but it is currently closed for essential repairs. For the latest information please contact us here: help@durhamwoodlandcemetery.org.
Yes by contacting the Bereavement Service at DCC, who will quote you the cost of reserving a plot.
No, it is not essential. A grave can be allocated at the time of death by the DCC via your funeral director or the Bereavement Service.
There are no double burial plots available in the Woodland Cemetery. However plots can be reserved alongside each other. If they are not reserved in advance, then they need to be reserved at the time of the first death to ensure that they are together.
Yes, but it is not advisable as the process can be difficult for the inexperienced to navigate. A Funeral Director is always recommended.
Yes, provided it is undertaken in a dignified manner.
Bio-degradable materials such as wool, cardboard, willow or any other sustainable material can be used, and your Funeral Director should be able to advise. (Please note: MDF is not allowed because of the chemicals used in its manufacture)
Yes, flowers and wreaths can be placed at the time of the burial, to be removed by DCC once they are dead. They should not contain plastic, wire, cellophane or other non-biodegradable materials. A small receptacle can be placed into the ground to hold fresh flowers. It is essential that the top of the container is below ground level to avoid damaging the grass cutting machinery. This is a safety issue.
No, gardening of any kind is not allowed.
No. These are strictly forbidden as the cemetery is a natural woodland.
Yes, provided it is made of solid unpainted wood and no larger than A4 size. The plaque must be installed flat and flush to the ground to avoid damage from the grass cutting machinery. It should not be installed before the settlement of the grave has taken place and the site has been topped up with topsoil. This process will normally take 10-12 weeks depending on the weather. If the grave is not topped up at this time please contact the Bereavement Service at DCC. Plaques can be replaced if they disintegrate, so long as the same rules are observed.
All graves are individually microchipped and a record is kept by DCC, who can answer any queries about this.
Trees can only be planted by DCC, as roots may damage graves. For further information please contact the Bereavement Service.
No. These items contravene the rules for a natural burial site and are strictly forbidden. They are also toxic to wildlife. The DCC will remove such items.
No, but each glade has a memorial bench, specially commissioned by the Friends, for the use of all those visiting it.
Yes, so long as they are kept on a lead and any faeces are removed.
Yes. Contact the Bereavement Service for the cost of this. It is normally about twice as expensive as for someone who has been paying their Council Tax to DCC.
The Woodland Cemetery is open 7 days per week, from dawn to dusk.
New members are welcome. Get in touch with us at help@durhamwoodlandcemetery.org and ask for your name/email be added to the mailing list. You will receive information about meetings and events that are open to members (eg the AGM). Personal data will not be passed on to anyone else, and is only used for this correspondence.