The new extension to Llanrhos Cemetery is dedicated to eco-friendly burials, designed to sensitively lay to rest your loved one in a considerate way with as little impact on the environment as possible.
Proposed regulations | Questions and answers | Survey
We want to consult with you on our vision for how we will manage the new cemetery extension at Llanrhos. For the first time in Conwy County we have the opportunity to have a Green Cemetery. We would like you to read through the proposed rules and information and answer a short survey to give us your thoughts.
Proposed regulations for Llanrhos Green Cemetery:
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If you choose to have the person who has died buried in a coffin, this must be eco-friendly. Eco coffins are made from sustainable materials that minimise environmental impact by helping to preserve woodland, reducing the use of plastics or harmful paints, and using only biodegradable materials.
Coffins can be made from bamboo, cardboard, willow, untreated wood or wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Coffins made from wood veneer are not permitted.
Coffins should be lined with cotton or linen sheets rather than plastic. Using plastic, zinc, or pitch in the lining or construction of the coffin is strictly prohibited.
Coffins must not have plastic or metal handles, adornments or nameplates. These must be made from biodegradable material, such as wood, rope or cardboard
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Instead of a coffin, you may opt for a burial shroud. Shrouds can be made from various natural materials such as cotton, linen, muslin, hemp and silk.
Please note that we will require a cardboard or wooden name plate fixed to the shroud for identification purposes.
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The person who has died should be dressed in clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool or linen. You must not use leather or rubber-soled shoes, leather jackets or any type of polyester clothing.
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For those choosing to bury cremated remains, we only accept biodegradable urns, made from materials such as unfinished pine, bamboo, wicker or willow. Urns made from metal or plastic are not permitted.
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Because of the environmental contamination associated with the embalming process, we do not accept embalmed bodies. While embalming can preserve the body, the chemicals used can be harmful to the environment when they leak into the soil.
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We recommend hand-tied floral wreaths, garlands, sheaves or sprays made using wire and moss.
If you choose traditional letter tributes or floral sprays that incorporate plastic or floral foam oasis, these must be removed after the interment. Any floral tributes left at the grave which contain non-biodegradable materials will be disposed of when the grave is backfilled to maintain our plastic-free environment.
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Memorial masons are required to use sustainable materials from suppliers who responsibly source and produce headstones.
To encourage the use of native stone and make this a more financially viable option, we will waive the usual memorial application fee of £206. This will reduce the overall cost for families who wish to memorialise loved ones in an eco-friendly and environmentally responsible way.
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There is no vehicle access in this section of the cemetery. Please park considerately in the adjoining cemetery and make your way on foot to the burial site. There are paths through the cemetery for wheelchair access.
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If you prefer a more traditional burial, please speak with Bereavement Services staff about options at Bron y Nant, Tan y Foel, Llangwstenin, Rhandir Hedd, Erw Hedd or Cae Melwr cemeteries.
Questions and answers:
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Unfortunately, traditional practices surrounding burials can have a detrimental impact on the environment. We now understand more about the choices we can make to protect our earth.
Green burials provide an ecologically responsible alternative to traditional burials practices, and have the least possible impact on the environment. These burials are kinder to the environment emphasising natural processes, conservation and sustainability.
This area of land has a high water table level, so what we put in the ground in this cemetery will have more of an effect on groundwater and the ecosystem which lives off it.
The Council’s Environmental Policy supports these changes to our normal policies. The Council is committed to:
- Preventing pollution of air, water and land from our activities and seeking to minimise pollution from other sources.
- Protecting the environment by minimising the negative impacts from our activities and being community leaders in promoting responsible environmental management.
- Identifying and complying with all environmental compliance obligations relevant to our organisation
- Becoming a net zero carbon user by 2030.
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Traditional coffins are often made using a resin or glue and usually contain a plastic liner. To keep to our plastic-free principle, we will not allow coffins which have a wood veneer finish, MDF or chipboard coffins.
Coffin liners (cremfilm) is made from polyethylene. This is harmful to the environment and can release chemicals into the surrounding soil. This can seep into groundwater and the ecosystem.
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Polyester, nylon and acrylic are all made using plastic.
Leather uses chemicals in the tanning process.
Fake leather and trainers are made of different plastic material in their manufacture and assembly so are not suitable materials for burial.
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Embalming fluid contains several chemicals, including formaldehyde which is an acid. This leaves the body during decomposition and is harmful to the soil and groundwater.
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A lot of the tributes left in cemeteries are wrapped in plastic, with bows, ribbons and memorial cards. These disintegrate over time and blow around the cemetery, getting stuck in the hedges and undergrowth. This makes the cemetery look untidy and poses a risk to wildlife.
Floral foam used to make tributes breaks down into micro plastic very quickly and can easily pollute the groundwater system.
Survey:
This consultation closed on 6 November 2024.
If you have any questions about Conwy’s cemeteries, please call 01492 577733 or email us at BereavementServices@conwy.gov.uk.