How Grave Care Works
Simple, respectful grave care - with photographs after every visit
Arranging grave care should not feel complicated. You tell us what you know, we confirm the right service, and we take care of the practical work at the cemetery.
1. Tell us about the grave
Start with the cemetery or burial ground, the name on the grave and any plot, section or grave number you have. If you do not know the exact location, send us what you do know - we will tell you what else we need.
2. Choose the level of care
You can book a one-off visit, a deeper clean and reset, or regular care throughout the year. If you are unsure which is appropriate, contact us rather than guessing.
3. We plan the visit
We check the cemetery, the information provided and any practical restrictions. Regular plans are arranged around sensible routes and seasonal conditions. Time-sensitive visits can often be accommodated if you tell us early enough.
4. We tend the grave carefully
Depending on the service, this can include tidying, light weeding, grass cutting, trimming existing plants, removing debris and careful headstone cleaning. We work with the memorial and the cemetery conditions rather than using aggressive methods simply to make a dramatic photograph.
5. You receive photographs
After the visit, we send photographs so you can see the condition of the grave and the work carried out. For many families - particularly those living further away or overseas - this is an important part of the service.
6. We return when your plan says we will
If you choose regular care, we return at the agreed frequency: monthly, seasonally or twice a year. You can also add fresh flowers or seasonal planting to suitable visits.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not know the grave number?
Please still contact us. The cemetery name and the name on the grave are often a useful starting point. We will tell you if we need more information before we can confirm the visit.
Do you pressure-wash headstones?
No. Memorial stone can be delicate and aggressive cleaning can cause permanent damage. We use a more careful approach and will not chase a spotless result at the expense of the memorial.
Can you restore or repair a damaged headstone?
We do not carry out structural stone repairs, re-fixing, re-lettering or specialist masonry restoration. If we find damage that needs a memorial mason or conservator, we will let you know.
Can you add flowers or plants?
Yes. Fresh flowers and seasonal planting can be added to appropriate visits. We choose material suitable for the season and the setting, subject to cemetery rules.
Can you visit before an anniversary or family visit?
Often, yes. Tell us the important date as early as possible so we can confirm what is practical.
Do you work in every cemetery?
Our core area is London and Surrey. Cemetery rules, distance and access vary, so please ask if your cemetery is not already familiar to us.
Can you care for a grave if I live overseas?
Yes. This is one of the situations the service is particularly useful for. Everything can be arranged remotely, and we send photographs after completed care visits.
What if the grave is much more overgrown than expected?
If the condition is substantially beyond the service booked, we will use our judgement and may contact you before carrying out additional work. A Deep Clean & Reset may be more appropriate for heavily neglected plots.
What happens if the weather is poor?
We will not carry out work in conditions that make the result poor or risk damaging the memorial or planting. Visits may occasionally move within the schedule because of severe weather, cemetery access or funerals.
Not sure where to start?
Send us the cemetery name and the name on the grave at hello@neverforgotten.co.uk, or use our contact form. We will help you from there.