FAQs
- When can I visit Brocklands?
- Can I choose the type of tree?
- Is there a choice of plot?
- Can I buy the coffin from you?
- Is there somewhere to hold a celebratory service?
- Is there somewhere to have funeral teas?
- Do I pay extra for the tree and flowers?
- How many people usually attend a burial?
- Is there a toilet on the site?
- Will the graves stay there for ever?
- My mother was cremated five years ago, but my father wishes to be buried when he dies. Can her ashes be put in with his coffin?
When can I visit Brocklands?
The site is open during daylight hours, and you may come just to see what it looks like, or to visit a family grave there, at any time, and you do not need to contact us first.
Can I choose the type of tree?
Yes. Single and Double Plots have a corresponding Tree List with several trees on each. The larger plots can have larger tree species planted on them. All trees are provided by us.
Is there a choice of plot?
Yes. The family can purchase a Double Plot for a single burial or for ashes, if they wish; similarly they could have ashes in a Single Plot (this is usually because they wish for a larger tree type). Ashes Plots can only have ashes in them. The position of the plot cannot be chosen, howevr, as this would hinder the creation of the woodland - the trees would be dotted around the site and be of different ages. The 3 different Plot types are found in distinct areas of the site.
Can I buy the coffin from you?
Yes, of course! We keep some coffins in stock here at all times, but mostly we order them for a burial, and can have them sent direct to your Funeral Director at no extra charge. This way you know that the coffin has the Brocklands approval, and is not a less environmentally-friendly option from another country (some coffins have plastic liners, are made from chipboard, or have their raw materials harvested from the wild rather than from plantations). Please see our Coffins page for details: Coffins
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Is there somewhere to hold a celebratory service?
Yes. The Haybarn (see 'The Haybarn')is a small Dales barn on site renovated to a high standard, providing a warm, carpeted room for up to 30 people sitting and 10-15 standing. It has a fine view from its windows across the valley, and it has modern toilet facilities. Family can hold their own serices, bring a priest, or have a non-religious celebrant.
Is there somewhere to have funeral teas?
Yes - either you can bring your own refreshments to the Haybarn, or use a local caterer, and we provide the crockery etc (see 'The Haybarn'); or, we can recommend local pubs and hotels for you to use.
Do I pay extra for the tree and flowers?
The tree price and planting of it (see 'burial fee') is included in the Burial fee. Native bulbs and plants may be purchased at very reasonable prices through us from the same native plant nursery that we use ourselves. We order them, you collect them from Brocklands and plant as you wish. We do ask people not to bring their own seeds or plants - we have had some highly cultivated specimens appearing on the site, and it not only detracts from the appearance and the whole ethos, but some strains (such as the Spanish bluebell) actually have a detrimental effect on the other plants.
How many people usually attend a burial?
It varies from 1 or 2 people up to 50 or 60. Typically, there may be 20-30 people present.
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Is there a toilet on the site?
Yes, anyone attending a burial may use the toilet in the Haybarn, though it is locked at other times. Please note there is a step up to the door, and then a step down into the Haybarn, so some disabled visitors may find the access difficult.
Will the graves stay there for ever?
Yes, as much as anyone can promise anything 'forever'. The burial site has been put in Trust to remain as a burial site for a minimum of 80 years, ie. three generations. We own the land, which is safer for you than at some sites which are just leased for a number of years. The ground above may be used for agriculture or wildlife, but the graves below will remain intact.
My mother was cremated five years ago, but my father wishes to be buried when he dies. Can her ashes be put in with his coffin?
Yes, cremated remains of someone else may be placed either inside the coffin, or buried with the coffin at the time of burial. The cremated remains must themselves also be in a biodegradable container (please note that the details of the person whose ashes are buried will not be recorded in the Burial Register. For this to happen they would need their own burial plot). Unfortunately we cannot bury the ashes of one person in someone else's grave at a later date.
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