South Downs Natural Burial Site
Members of the Association of Nature Reserve Burial Grounds
The South Downs Natural Burial Site offers a tranquil and natural alternative to the formality of cemeteries or the impersonal efficiency of crematoria.
What is a Natural Burial Site?
It is a burial ground managed on ecologically-sound lines to provide an informal, nature-rich environment for peaceful reflection on our own lives and those of the loved ones who rest there.
Great care is taken to protect the existing environment and
gradually enhance areas of woodland
and meadow by careful management and planting of memorial trees
and plants.
Environmental damage is avoided by use of biodegradable, non-rainforest
wood coffins or just
simply shrouds. Coffins are conveyed to the graveside from the
site entrance by wheeled hand bier.
People of all faiths are welcome.
The South Downs Burial Site
The site is situated 2 miles south of the unspoilt village of East Meon, at the head of the Meon Valley, with the South Downs Way running along the northern boundary, a former conifer plantation on part of HMS Mercury. The area is being restored to a diverse, broadleaf woodland. It is being cleared systematically leaving the existing beech, yew, whitebeam and silver birch, creating woodland glades and hazel coppices. The burial site itself is situated on a south facing slope next to a fifty acre sheep pasture. Both the burial ground and sheep pasture are surrounded on all sides by woodland, providing a distant view as well as shelter, giving a sense of stillness and seclusion.
To preserve the natural surroundings, we do not permit headstones or other permanent grave-side memorials. The precise location of each burial is carefully plotted and recorded, using a system of trig-points across the site. A Book of Remembrance provides a whole page dedicated to the loved one with personal details, messages or photographs. Within the centre building there are rooms available for services; there is also a restaurant area where mourners can meet before and after the funeral.
Can I secure a natural burial plot in advance for myself and my family?
You can purchase a single, double or family plot. this has several advantages, allowing you to plan the kind of burial you want and remove the burden from your family at a difficult time.
For more details or information pack about the South Downs Natural Burial Site or the Earthworks Trust please contact:
Al Blake
South Downs Burial Site
The Sustainability Centre
Droxford Road
East Meon
Hampshire GU32 1HR
Telephone: 01730 823425
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