Burial ground
The Parish Council is the burial authority for Wye. As such, since 1981 it has owned and managed the new burial ground, adjacent to the churchyard, and works in partnership with the Parochial Church Council. The wall of the burial ground wall marks the boundary of both the historic parish churchyard and the Wye Conservation Area. The burial ground is managed to give the informal appearance of a peaceful country churchyard and wildlife haven, with views of the North Downs. The memorial benches provide places for quiet reflection.
Unlike the adjacent churchyard the Parish Council's burial ground is not consecrated land, nor is it denominational. In practice, individual plots are consecrated as required, as part of the burial service. The Parish Council has plans to extend the burial ground.
The Parish Council is planning a memorial garden as a place for quiet reflection.
Living memorials
Quercus robur, a native English oak
Please take time to reflect and consider local history and the natural world. The churchyard has much to say about the long history of Wye and it also offers a refuge for native wildlife.
The common law position regarding rights of burial is complex, but in summary every parishioner and inhabitant has the right of burial in the churchyard or burial ground of the parish in which the parishioner resides, subject to space being available. If a memorial tree is an appropriate form of commemoration, the Parish Council will be pleased to hear from you. There are opportunities for tree planting on public land around Wye.
The choice of tree species and its planting location needs careful planning. Trees and their roots must have enough space to grow and mature, but they must not compromise highway safety by obstructing sight lines, or cause root damage to underground services. The tree species that we plant now will also need to be able to adapt to climate change.
Other forms of memorial
Barn owl nesting box
To discuss alternative forms of memorial e.g.
- public benches
- owl nesting boxes
- bat boxes
- swift nesting bricks
please contact the Parish Council's Burial Clerk here.
Please note that Wye Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for the burial of cremated ashes in the main churchyard and the lower churchyard, not the Parish Council. To discuss the burial of ashes please contact Wye PCC direct at the Wye Benefice Office.
A handmade memorial bench. This fine example was given in memory of Ian Sloan, looks across Churchfield Green. Ian was a lifelong supporter of grassroots football, and a dedicated player, coach and voluntary groundsman.