A month on from opening, the Town Council’s dedicated pet ashes burial ground at Hailsham Cemetery provides a valued space for remembrance, with the service available not only in Hailsham, but also across neighbouring towns and villages.
The creation of the pet cemetery followed detailed research carried out by the Town Council into the availability of suitable pet burial and memorial sites in the wider area. This work identified a lack of nearby provision, with the closest alternative located in Ringmer, near Lewes, making access difficult for many local residents.
Positioned on a previously unused area close to the cemetery’s main entrance, the site has been carefully transformed into a well-presented environment, designed specifically for the interment of small domestic pets such as cats and dogs.
Burial plots, approximately 12 inches by 12 inches in size, are available and are prepared by the Council’s cemetery team. For a fee of £99 per plot, the service includes:
- A designated burial plot for pet ashes
- Preparation of the plot and interment carried out by cemetery staff
- A flower vase
- A certificate confirming ownership
An additional pet may be interred within the same plot for a further fee of £99.
Families who wish to install a small memorial marker or plaque, including their pet’s name and date of passing, may do so at their own expense, subject to size guidelines.
In total, the area has capacity for around 120 pet ashes burial plots.
Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “Pets are often cherished members of the family, and their loss can be deeply felt. This facility has been created to offer families in Hailsham and the surrounding towns and villages a peaceful, dignified place to remember them close to home.”
“We have taken great care to design a respectful and tranquil setting that will serve not only Hailsham residents, but also those from neighbouring communities. It’s important that people across the wider area have access to a local place of remembrance, helping to avoid the need to travel further afield at a difficult time.”
Tony Lee, the Council’s Operations and Facilities Manager, said: “We’re pleased to have completed the creation of this dedicated facility, which has been carefully designed and prepared by our team. It provides a calm, well-maintained and dignified setting where families from Hailsham and nearby towns and villages will be able to remember their pets in peaceful surroundings.”
