If you have questions or require more information, please contact us on 01492 577733, email us at BereavementServices@conwy.gov.uk or fill out our online form.
Graves
How are the graves laid out in a cemetery?
Graves are laid out in a regular pattern within the cemeteries. Once all the grave plots have been purchased, we cannot offer any new grave sites within that cemetery.
Who owns a grave?
A grave may be purchased from the council and the grave owner then has the right to bury in the grave and to place a memorial on it.
The ownership of the land does not transfer, the Council owns all the land within the cemeteries. The rights to a grave are purchased for a legal maximum of 100 years. At the end of the period the lease may be renewed otherwise the rights transfer back to the Council.
The grave owner receives a deed to the grave which is a legal document and should be kept in a safe place. If you wish to transfer the deed to a new owner, please contact the administrative office on 01492 577732.
How many burials can take place in one grave?
Depending on the site, up to three burials can be accommodated in each grave - but this must be requested at the time of the first burial. Once a grave has no further room for full coffin burials, it is possible for caskets of cremated remains to be buried in the grave.
How much do burials cost?
Woodland Burials
To meet the growing demand for more natural burials, we have woodland burial sites at Llanrhos Lawn Cemetery in Llandudno, Rhandir Hedd in Llanfairfechan and Tan y Foel at Penmaenmawr.
What type of burials can take place in a woodland setting?
There are plots for full interments or ashes interments in the woodland burial sites. A young silver birch tree will be planted and maintained by the Council at the head of each grave plot shortly after the interment takes place. The wood will eventually provide a wildlife habitat giving food and shelter for local wildlife. The tree will prevent the grave being reused and the burial site will remain undisturbed as part of the natural woodland
How are the woodland sites managed?
The woodland areas are classified as a Local Authority Biodiversity Site. This entails mowing the area once a year and encouraging wildlife such as native wildflowers.
Can I place a headstone or other memorial on a woodland burial?
Headstones are not used on this type of burial site, and vases of flowers, statues or other artificial objects cannot be left at the graveside. This is not a traditional cemetery, it is a place where graves become part of the landscape.
Cut flowers will not normally be allowed. The only exception to this is those left on the grave at the time of interment. These should be bare stemmed with no cellophane or decorative wrapping. They will be removed when the flowers start to look unsightly.
Suitable native wild flowers or bulbs may be planted on the grave plot following consultation with the parks manager responsible for the site.
What type of coffin is used in a woodland burial?
Only biodegradable coffins made of natural timber, cardboard, or woven grass will be permitted to ensure that the woodland burial area remains as natural as possible. No plastic or metal handles or inserts should be used. The same conditions also apply to cremated remains caskets.
Can I choose a burial site within the woodland area?
All grave plots in the woodland area will be for one person. It is not possible to reserve graves. Plans have been developed to provide adequate space for woodland burials in Conwy’s and other local authority-owned cemeteries where space permits.
Without a headstone, how can I find a specific grave?
Each grave (including ashes plots) is marked with a unique number, which is attached to a stout wooden stake and carefully recorded on a detailed plan kept in the cemetery office at Bron y Nant crematorium.
How do I arrange a funeral for a woodland burial?
When a burial takes place at Llanrhos, Tan y Foel or Llanfairfechan, the arrangements are at the discretion of the family of the deceased. You might choose to organise a funeral in the traditional way, using a Funeral Director, with a service followed by committal.
Alternatively, you may wish to purchase the grave and grave digging through the Council and then make the remaining arrangements yourselves.
We understand that flexibility is important, and as long as all conditions are met, most things are possible.
How are the graves recorded?
After the burial has taken place, we record all the details in our Burial Register (required by law) and issue a deed giving exclusive right of interment.
Muslim Burials
We provide an area in Llanrhos Lawn Cemetery for Muslim burials
.How are the graves prepared?
Muslim graves will be prepared in accordance with procedures agreed with the Muslim community and in line with Muslim practice. The grave will be aligned towards Mecca on a North-East to South-West axis.
.Do you require coffins?
No. We permit non-coffin burials, or shroud burials, in Llanrhos Lawn Cemetery.
.How are the graves maintained?
Many cemeteries level graves to make the cemeteries easier to maintain. We understand that this is strictly forbidden in the Muslim faith. Therefore, we will strim the grass on a regular basis taking care not to encroach on the grave space.
.Can you offer a burial in a 24 hour period?
Yes, we are able to offer a Muslim burial within a 24 hour period provided that all necessary documentation is in order.
Jewish Burials
The burial section at Llanrhos is run on liberal Judaism lines, with arrangements left up to the bereaved family to decide how they wish to hold the funeral and mourn afterwards. Rabbis and congregational leaders can give guidance and explain Jewish customs where required, but our policy is to let families and individuals make their own decisions.
We expect that funerals will not take place on the Sabbath (Saturday) - burials are available every other day of the week. Graves are dug to the request of the family and can be for up to three burials.
Home and Private Burials
Please see Home and Private Burial section for more information.
National Assistance Burials
Please see the National Assistance Burial section for more information.