Closure of St Nicholas' Churchyard Brockenhurst

The Parish Council became a Burial Authority in 1955 to provide services to those of all faiths and none. A burial ground to the northwest and adjacent to St Nicholas' churchyard was purchased and as suitable land within this burial ground was running out the Parish Council acquired an extension to the burial ground in 1994. 

The Parish Council continues to maintain its grounds, controls burials, Exclusive Right of Burial, internments of ashes and monuments. Nothing will change any burial arrangements anyone may wish to make or have made. It is currently estimated that the present Parish Council burial ground will be available for the next 40 years.

The Parochial Church Council, having decided that its churchyard is full, is carrying out the formal legal process for its closure. When a formal note of closure for a Churchyard is issued, the Parochial Church Council can ask the Parish Council to take over the maintenance of their Churchyard. If the Parish Council prefers not to do this, the District Council is obliged to take over the basic maintenance. In the case of St Nicholas' Churchyard, the formal closure notice is expected shortly. If asked, the Parish Council have decided to leave the basic maintenance for New Forest District Council to carry out as they already provide this service in a number of localities across its district and are equipped with the appropriate machinery for larger tasks.