And Bicester isn’t the only place this is happening – communities across the country are running out of space in cemeteries, with loved ones facing the prospect of people being buried far away from where they lived.
Cemetery Space Shortages: A National Problem
The situation in Bicester mirrors a growing problem across the UK. Many cemeteries are reaching capacity, leaving families struggling to find a final resting place for their loved ones. This issue is compounded by the limited availability of land suitable for new cemeteries, especially in urban areas.
The Impact on Grieving Families
The lack of burial space is causing immense distress for grieving families. Families are often forced to bury their loved ones in distant locations, making it difficult for friends and family to visit and pay their respects. This adds another layer of grief and hardship during a time of immense loss.
In Bicester, Neil's friends are facing this very real challenge. They had assumed he would be buried locally, but the closest available spot is in Tackley, a village 11 miles away. This distance poses a significant barrier for Neil's children, who don't drive, making it even harder for them to grieve and remember their father.
One of Neil's friends expressed the shared sentiment of many families facing this dilemma: “Losing somebody is hard to deal with, and it is sad not having somewhere people can go to sit and chat with him. We would love to be able to do that.”
Over-Burying: A Controversial Solution
As cemeteries reach capacity, some are resorting to “over-burying” plots. This practice involves digging shallow graves that aren’t as deep as the original so that you can bury people on top of other graves. This controversial solution is often met with resistance from families who may have concerns about disturbing the remains of their loved ones.
Innovative Solutions: Grave Recycling
The shortage of burial space has pushed some cemeteries to seek innovative solutions. One such example is the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, which has implemented a program called “grave recycling.”
The City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, a beautiful 163-year-old, 200-acre Grade I listed site, was reaching full capacity. However, instead of ceasing burial services or asking the community to seek alternatives in neighbouring boroughs, they adopted a practical approach.
What is Grave Recycling?
Grave recycling involves reusing graves that have been unused for over 75 years. If the family consents or cannot be contacted, a new body is placed in the existing grave. This method allows for the continued use of valuable cemetery space while respecting the remains of those previously interred.
A Sustainable Approach to Cemetery Management
Grave recycling offers a sustainable solution to the growing problem of cemetery space shortages. It allows cemeteries to continue providing burial services for their communities without resorting to expanding their land or creating new cemeteries. The practice also ensures that existing burial grounds remain functional and available for future generations.
However, grave recycling is not without its challenges. It requires careful planning and communication with families to ensure respectful treatment of all remains. There may also be legal and ethical considerations that need to be addressed. Nonetheless, as cemetery space becomes increasingly scarce, innovative solutions like grave recycling are likely to become more commonplace.
A Need for Planning and Awareness
The cemetery crisis highlights the need for proactive planning and greater awareness about the challenges of burial space. Local authorities, cemetery managers, and communities need to work together to develop sustainable solutions to ensure that everyone has access to dignified and respectful burial arrangements. The lack of burial space is a complex issue with no easy solutions, but it demands our attention and collaborative efforts to find lasting solutions for the future.
