Maintaining a grave
Maintaining a beautiful grave is one way you can remember and cherish your connection with a loved one.
The cemetery is open daily from 8am to 5pm, even on public holidays, for you to visit and be close to them.
Caring for a grave
We are responsible for:
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- grounds maintenance and grass cutting
- backfilling and topping up the grave during the first 12 months after burial
You are welcome to:
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- weed, trim and tidy the grave
- clean the memorial/headstone once in situ
- lay floral tributes
There are outside water taps and compost bins located around the cemetery, which you are welcome to use.
Floral tributes
Floral tributes made from natural, loose-cut flowers may be placed on burial plots at any time. Please ensure all paper, cellophane, plastic wrappings, and ties are removed before placing the flowers.
Wilted flowers will be removed from burial plots as and when necessary, along with their associated plastic containers or floral foam (oasis) support. This is to maintain the cemetery to the highest standards and protect the local wildlife.
To preserve the character of the cemetery, we do not allow:
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- artificial flowers
- wind chimes and windmills
- flags and balloons
- lights and candles
- any kind of fencing
- anything made of glass
- loose stones and chippings (unless within a kerb set memorial)
We reserve the right to remove any item we consider unsuitable from any grave without notice. Any item removed will be retained at the Cemetery Office for 14 days pending collection, after which it will be disposed of.
Wildlife
Part of what makes Brookwood Cemetery a unique and beautiful resting place is its abundant wildlife.
Our resident deer and rabbit populations will, however, eat almost anything left or grown on a grave. To avoid unnecessary upset or damage to the grave site, we only recommend laying cut flowers as tribute to your loved one.
Memorials
Depending on the type of burial chosen, a memorial or headstone can be added once the grave has had time to settle. This can take up to 12 months for coffin burials, and up to five years for shroud and timber burials.
For interred ashes, a memorial can be added immediately.
Maintenance plans
If for any reason you’re unable to maintain your grave, we offer bespoke maintenance plans tailored to your needs.
We can tend to a grave on a monthly, quarterly or annual, plant seasonal bulbs, deep clean memorials, and even lay flowers on important dates.
Please contact the Cemetery Office for further information.