These Rules and Regulations are pursuant to the power contained in The Local Authorities Cemetery Order 1977, The Cremation Act 1902 and The Cremation Regulations (England & Wales) 2008, in order to ensure the proper management of the following Cemetery & Crematorium:
West Lancashire Cemetery & Crematorium, Pippin Street, Burscough, Lancashire L40 7SP
General
1. Any person admitted to the Cemetery & Crematorium is subject to these Regulations and to any directions that may be given by a Cemeteries & Crematorium Officer in the course of administering the Cemetery and Crematorium service.
2. The grounds will be open to the public during the following times:
On Weekdays: 9.00 am to 6.00pm. April - September & 9.00 am to 5.00pm. October - March
On Weekends and Bank Holidays: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Office opening hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm – Monday to Friday
Any permanent variations to these opening times will be displayed on the website at least seven days prior to the change.
3. A Cemeteries & Crematorium Officer may take any reasonable action to safeguard the health or safety of the public including closing the grounds or part of the grounds to the public for the purpose of interments, adverse weather conditions or any reason deemed necessary for the safe operation of the cemetery.
4. All applications for burials must be made to the Cemeteries Office between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Other than in exceptional circumstances or for religious reasons and with the agreement of the Cemeteries Officer at least two full working days' notice must be given before the proposed date of burial. Notice must be given on the West Lancashire Cemetery Notice of Interment.
5. The appropriate fee or charge must be paid to the Cemeteries Office before any interment or work takes place unless agreed otherwise by the Management.
6. Any funeral cortege arriving more than 15 minutes before or after the appointed time may be directed to wait by a Cemeteries Officer until it is convenient to proceed.
7. Any person wishing to carry out an interment or any other work must report to the Cemeteries Officer before carrying out the interment or work. No interment may take place without the presence of a Cemeteries Officer.
8. No coffin, casket, wreath, monument, memorial or other article placed in the Cemetery in connection with an interment may be removed from the Cemetery without the permission of the Cemeteries Office.
9. All monuments, memorials, wreaths, plants, plant holders or other personal articles placed in the Cemetery or Crematorium Gardens are the responsibility of the grave owner, West Lancashire Cemetery & Crematorium will not accept any responsibility for their repair, loss or maintenance but may take any appropriate actions to make them safe and recover their costs from the grave owner.
10. No person who is intoxicated, disorderly, uses obscene or offensive language or who commits a nuisance will be allowed in any part of the Cemetery and Crematorium.
11. Dogs are allowed in the chapel and the grounds, but owners must keep them on a lead at all times and must be vigilant that their dog does not foul on any grave or memorial.
12. Cycling, skating, skateboarding, the lighting of fireworks or the playing of games or music are not permitted within the Cemetery.
13. Motor vehicles must not proceed at more than 10 miles per hour and may only drive and park on the roads or prescribed areas. Drivers must obey any directions made by a Cemeteries and Crematorium Officer with regard to routes or parking. Unauthorised vehicles may be removed from the Cemetery. Parking on lawns is not permitted.
14. No person may ply for hire or solicit for business within the Cemetery.
15. Balloon releases and sky lanterns pose environmental and fire risks and are not permitted within the grounds.
Purchase of Graves
16. Any person over the age of 18 years may, subject to availability and payment of the current fee, purchase a Grant for the Exclusive Rights of Burial in a grave space for up to two body interments and four cremated remains interments. The period of Grant will not exceed 50 years.
17. Such Grants will only be made to members of the public either individually or jointly; Grants will not be made in the name of any business or company with the exception of Solicitors or Local Authorities acting on behalf of the deceased.
18. The Exclusive Right of Burial in a private earth grave is 50 years from the date of purchase. Grantees (grave owners) should inform the Cemetery office immediately of change of address.
19. Such Grants may only be transferred with the consent of the Cemetery office and will be subject to the following conditions:
i. The original Deed of Grant must be produced or a Statutory Declaration to the effect that it has been lost sworn in front of a Commissioner for Oaths.
ii. The original Grant owner must give their written consent in an assignment form or have made provision for the transfer in their will or if there is no Will the Grant will pass to the next of kin subject to them completing a Statutory Declaration indemnifying the Cemetery against any claims by other relatives.
iii. The new owner must pay any transfer fee that would have been payable if they had been the original owner.
iv. The new owner must pay a fee set at a minimum of one hour's administration time at the current rate of charge.
Interments
20. Each body, whether adult or child, brought into the Cemetery for Interment must be contained in a suitable coffin or casket. Except:
i. In circumstances agreed by the Head of Public Protection, and
ii. For death due to childbirth, when mother and child may be buried together, only one body may be contained in each coffin.
21. Each coffin must contain suitable identification for the deceased within.
22. The Deed of Grant of Right of Exclusive Burial must be produced to the Cemetery Office before any interment takes place. No grave may be opened for interment without the written consent of the grave owner except for the interment of the grave owner.
23. An interment fee at the current rate must be paid prior to the interment taking place.
24. The Registrar's Certificate for Disposal or the Coroner's Order for Burial must be produced to the Cemetery Office before the interment of any body. The Cemetery Office must be advised at the time of booking if the deceased died of an infectious disease.
25. The Cemetery Office must be advised prior to the interment of any special tributes or personal items that families wish to keep otherwise these will be removed and disposed of. All tributes will be removed from graves and disposed of two weeks after the last interment unless a specific request is made and agreed.
26. All graves without exception will be dug by persons employed or contacted to the cemetery.
27. Pet ashes cannot be interred in the Cemetery.
Care of Graves
28. Wreaths of fresh flowers, flower arrangements and cut flowers shall not be left on any grave for longer than two weeks. Christmas wreaths will be removed and disposed of during the last week of January. A Cemetery Officer may remove and dispose of any wreaths or cut flowers without notice which detract from the appearance of the Cemetery.
29. The Cemetery reserves the right of access over all grave spaces and the right to temporarily remove without notice any memorial, potted plants, edging or personal items from any grave to facilitate the digging of another grave for the purpose of interment or exhumation.
30. The cemetery have the right to place spoil from excavated graves on adjacent plots for the purpose of burial or exhumation. Following the interment all affected areas will be reinstated to their previous condition.
31. The size of the grave plot for lawn memorials is 760mm (2’6”) long x 760mm (2’6”) wide. The size of the plot for traditional graves is 760mm (2’6”) wide x 1980mm (6’6”) long.
32. No surround may be placed around any grave or part of a grave on any part of a Cemetery designated as a Lawn Cemetery other than around an area no more than 760mm (2'6") square measured from the back of the headstone of each grave, which may be cultivated for plants. Surrounds must be of masonry material, granite or marble and must not protrude more than 50mm (2") above ground level. Permanent plastic, wire, metal or wooden surrounds are not permitted as they deteriorate and cause maintenance issues. No planting is allowed on any other part of a lawn grave.
33. Temporary surrounds covering the 720mm (2’6”) wide x 1980mm (6’6”) long are permitted on traditional graves only. These must be removed by the grave owner prior installation of any memorial. Temporary surrounds may prevent routine maintenance being carried out to the grave space by Cemetery staff. Any surround that is broken, deteriorated or exceeds the permitted size will be removed without notification.
34. The placing of paving slabs, shingle, or unauthorised memorials etc around and leading to a grave space is strictly prohibited and shall be removed and disposed of without prior notice on the grounds of health and safety and to satisfy the insurance underwriter of the cemetery.
35. All flower containers must be enclosed in a permanent surround or sunk to ground level within the designated planting area which is 460mm (18”) from the front of the headstone.
36. New graves or re-opened graves in the Lawn Cemetery will be seeded during spring or autumn at least nine months after the last interment. All surrounds or plants other than in the designated planting area will be removed prior to seeding. Grave owners are permitted to lay turf over the grave space once the plot has completely settled.
37. Plants may only be planted within the confines of a grave surround on any grave in a part of the Cemetery designated for traditional graves. Plants cannot be planted over the length of lawn graves other than the designated area.
38. The Cemeteries Office will remove, without notice, any tree or shrub that obstructs any grave, headstone, road or path. No trees or large growing shrubs are permitted to be planted around or within the grave space. These will be removed without notification as they can encroach on other spaces, cause issues with the grave and issues with maintenance and interment.
39. Plans showing the grave spaces are kept by the Cemetery office and may be viewed during normal office hours.
Monuments and Memorials
40. All memorials must be supplied and fixed by the cemetery company. No external stone masons will be permitted to carry out work in the cemetery. Unauthorised memorials will be removed from the cemetery at the grave owner’s expense.
41. Landings and foundations for grave surrounds and headstones will be installed by the Cemetery memorial staff as part of the memorial. Foundations will be of the appropriate size for the type of grave plot and conform to BS8415:2018.
42. On lawn graves headstones must be at least 760mm (2'6”) high above ground level, 300mm (1') wide and 75mm (3") thick with a base 300mm (12”) deep and no more than 900mm (3') high, 760mm (2'6") wide and 150mm (6") thick. Headstones will be installed on a secured landing and in accordance with the Code of Practice and Standard Specification of the National Association of Monumental Masons.
43. On lawn graves, kerb surrounds are permitted for the cultivation of plants or maintenance free chippings/cover slabs. Surrounds must not exceed 760mm (2’6”) wide and 460mm (1’6”) deep.
44. On graves where the exclusive right of burial has not been granted headstones must be no more than 750mm (2'6") high above ground level, 300mm (1') wide and 75mm (3") deep.
45. Traditional memorials should not be erected until at least 12 months after the last interment. The Cemetery will not be responsible for levelling memorials where the owner has erected a memorial before 12 months.
46. Traditional memorials must not exceed 760mm (2’6”) wide and 1980mm (6’6”) in length. The maximum height permitted for traditional memorial is 1830mm (6’)
47. No items are permitted on any land other than where the Exclusive Right of Burial has been granted and may not exceed the memorial dimensions for the type of grave.
48. All monuments or memorials will be inscribed with the appropriate grave number.
49. All monuments or memorials must be securely fixed together and fixed to the landing or foundation with dowels of galvanised metal at least 12mm in diameter and must extend at least 75mm into the foundation unit.
50. All monuments or memorials must be constructed of best quality solid stone. York stone or similar soft stones or composite stones or wooden or other perishable materials are not permitted.
51. The Cemetery has the right to make safe any memorial that is deemed to be dangerous or insecure by means of laying flat said memorial. The cemetery will make every effort to contact the owner and if required recover any costs for safety work required.
52. All cemetery memorials will inspected every 6 years and a record maintained of the inspection to ensure they are structurally safe and do not pose any danger to visitors and employees in the cemetery. If a memorial is found to be unsafe the Cemetery office will deal with the memorial in an appropriate manner which may include removal if necessary. The Cemetery will endeavour to contact the grave owner at the address held in our statutory register for burial.
53. Memorial benches can only be purchased from and supplied by the cemetery company and their position will be determined throughout an agreed lease period by the cemetery company.
54. The Cemetery Company cannot accept responsibility for the safekeeping of any personal items left in the grounds or on memorials.
Gardens of Remembrance
55. The Gardens of Remembrance are communal areas, please respect each other’s space. Dedicated areas are not permitted unless authorised by the cemetery office and the appropriate fee paid.
56. Flowers and potted plants are permitted within the confines of a memorial plot.
57. Permitted personal items within the cemetery and gardens are restricted to potted plants, fresh flowers and wreaths. The cemetery office will not be held responsible for their safekeeping.
58. Wind chimes and any item that creates a noise nuisance are forbidden anywhere in the cemetery or gardens and will be removed without notice.
59. It is forbidden to encroach on any land, tree or area within the cemetery or gardens where the Exclusive Rights of Burial has not been granted.
60. To maintain a clean and peaceful environment personal items are not permitted outside dedicated memorial plots within the Garden of Remembrance or Cemetery. Unauthorised items including items that detract from the appearance of the gardens will be removed without notice. These items will be retained for a period of two weeks for collection otherwise after this period the cemetery may dispose of such items.
61. Private cremation plots have their own appropriate regulations for dedication. Please refer to the memorial agreement.
Natural Burial
62. Each body, whether adult or child, brought into the Natural Cemetery for Interment must be contained in a suitable environmentally friendly coffin, casket or shroud and bear adequate particulars of the identity of the deceased within.
63. Grants for the Exclusive Rights of Burial in a natural grave space is for ONE body interment and four cremated remains interments
64. The planting of trees and other plants in the natural area is not permitted and is strictly controlled by the burial authority.
65. Bins are not provided within the natural burial ground to encourage families to take their litter home, or it may be placed within the bins in the crematorium gardens.
66. All wooden memorials must be supplied and fixed by the burial authority. No external stone masons will be permitted to carry out work in the cemetery. Unauthorised memorials will be removed from the cemetery at the grave owner’s expense
67. Due to the natural environment, the natural burial ground and surrounding areas are likely to have unavoidable natural hazards including tree roots, ground conditions that may be uneven, muddy or slippery due to weather conditions, wildlife, flora & fauna (e.g moss).. All visitors are asked to be mindful of the natural environment on site and the potential hazards that may be present.
68. Please wear appropriate, sturdy footwear for a woodland setting. Please advise all mourners attending of the nature of the woodland setting and that appropriate clothing, especially footwear should be worn.
69. Every effort has been made to ensure that access is as easy as possible for disabled visitors. However, due to the natural topography of the site, assistance may be needed.
Exhumations
70. No interred remains may be exhumed or removed from any part of any Cemetery without an appropriate Home Office Licence.
71. Any exhumation must be carried out in accordance with all conditions set out in the Licence or Faculty and must be carried out when the Cemetery is closed to the public.
72. An exhumation fee and any appropriate grave digging or memorial removal charges at the current rate must be paid prior to the exhumation.
Records
73. Electronic registers of all burials and cremations will be kept at the Cemeteries Office and will be open, by appointment, to search by any member of the public during the opening hours of the Cemeteries Office. Provision of written confirmation of Register details will be charged at a minimum of half an hour's administration time at the current rate of charge.
Additional rules
74. The Cemetery reserves the right to make any alterations and additions to the Rules and Regulations of the Cemetery & Crematorium at any time it feels fit or appropriate.
These rules came into effect – February 2017.
Updated - July 2025
Natural Burial Ground at West Lancashire Crematorium
West Lancashire Crematorium are proud to offer a natural burial ground set within beautiful meadow, providing a calm and tranquil setting.
Natural burial grounds are similar to traditional cemeteries, with one main difference, they are managed and maintained to keep the area as natural as possible. Ecological principals and biodiversity help create beautiful areas full of nature to offer a peaceful environment to reflect and remember our loved ones.
Our Guiding Principles and operational Rules and Regulations are essential to maintaining the integrity of our natural burial ground and to ensure nature can thrive. By choosing a natural burial you will be contributing to the establishment, expansion and preservation of local ecosystems capable of sustaining a rich variety of natural biodiversity. Our grounds will also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and the impact on the environment often associated with traditional funeral practices.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Biodiversity
Sustainable methods are used in maintaining the natural burial ground and the surroundings are kept as natural as possible to encourage biodiversity. Other than paths necessary for access, the environment will be left to nature throughout the year. Some areas will appear overgrown with plants, flowers and grasses as nature intends. This allows nature to thrive and promotes biodiversity. Whilst some plants may be considered weeds, they are equally important and are beneficial to nature and the environment.
The planting of non-native seeds, trees or plants on graves is not permitted, as this would prevent the generation of a natural landscape in keeping with the local ecology and we reserve the right to remove any inappropriate plants without prior notice. Adopting these principles will mean that we can all contribute in our own way to improving the environment while providing a natural and peaceful resting place for our loved ones.
Wildlife
West Lancashire Crematorium and the natural burial ground host a wide variety of local wildlife which also thrive in the surrounding fields and adjacent hedgerows.
Grave Depth
Each grave in the natural burial ground will permit the burial of a single body although cremated remains may be interred following the burial. The shallower a burial is, the less likely the body is to release methane which is a greenhouse gas that can be produced by deeper burials. A burial at the optimum depth within soil capable of binding organic material will allow greater oxygen flow resulting in a shorter time for a body to naturally degrade creating the basis for fertile soil. The grave will be no deeper than 4ft 6” to comply with current legislation.
Coffins
When choosing a natural burial you will need to carefully consider the type of coffin you wish to use to ensure that it adheres to the environmental objectives of natural burial. We do not want to bury coffins that are going to release toxins into the ground and that are produced in an inconsiderate or unsustainable way.
Coffins designed for both cremation and ordinary burial are usually made of MDF, or chipboard bonded with synthetic resin, with plastic handles and covered in synthetic veneers. We never use these for burial in our grounds and will only permit natural environmentally friendly materials such as real wood preferably from renewable sources, wicker, bamboo or shrouds. These coffin types will naturally biodegrade over time. In addition only environmentally friendly clothing must be used to dress the deceased and any personal items placed within the coffin must also be environmentally friendly.
Professional funeral directors are aware of the requirements for natural burial and will normally have a wide selection of environmentally friendly coffins for you to choose from.
Embalming
For environmental reasons the deceased may not be embalmed prior to the burial. Embalming is not environmentally friendly and is harmful to health due to the various toxic chemicals used during the process. These toxins which include formaldehyde and methanol will be absorbed into the soil and cause pollution when buried and can even leach into the water table.
Embalming is sometimes called ‘hygienic treatment’ and in most instances it is completely unnecessary for either the safe handling of the body or for viewing by relatives.
Memorials
To protect the natural appearance of the grounds we only permit a specific style of wooden and slate memorial to identify the grave. These are supplied by West Lancashire Cemetery and are included in the fee for the grave. We do not permit unauthorised memorials, masonry, or other items left on the grave other than fresh flowers. This approach not only preserves the beauty of the environment, but prevents maintenance issues, as well as avoiding hazards to wildlife and unnecessary waste disposal.
Our memorial markers are made of sustainable timber and the slate is UK sourced. As with all wood products in an outdoor environment, darkening and other natural imperfections may appear over time. Plaques will only be replaced if the wood has cracked within two years of installation (guarantee period). These fitting memorials mean that the burial ground maintains its natural ethos and feel, whilst offering family and friends a simple focus to remember and reflect.
Flowers
Fresh cut flowers are welcome in the natural burial ground. Floral Tributes placed on graves must not be wrapped in cellophane, tied with florist ribbon, placed in foam oasis, or plastic trays, as these items are not biodegradable. Floral tributes and flowers placed on graves will be removed once degraded.
Vases, pots, plastic or glass containers cannot be placed on or sunken into plots, as these pose a threat to wildlife. Please do not place any personal items such ornaments, toys, photographs or balloons on the grave space. Our staff will remove any items left on or near to a grave that is considered inappropriate for a natural cemetery.
