Natural or Woodland Burials
At the current time Fareham Borough Council does not provide a site for natural or woodland burials. Burials of this nature are provided locally in Hampshire at the South Downs Burial Site - East Meon and at Havant Borough Council's Warblington Cemetary extension.
The South Downs Burial Site is situated near the unspoilt village of East Meon, at the head of the Meon Valley, with the South Downs Way running along the northern boundary. The burial site itself is situated on a south facing slope next to a fifty acre sheep pasture. Both the burial ground and this pasture are surrounded on all sides by woodland, providing distant views as well as shelter, giving a sense of stillness and seclusion. Further details about the burial site in Warblington can be found on the Havant Borough Council (this is an external hyperlink) website.
Natural or woodland burials are fast becoming a popular alternative to the more conventional burial within a cemetery or churchyard environment. The idea of burials within a woodland setting is not a new one as it was widely practised prior to the Victorian era.
A natural or woodland burial site is managed for the benefit of wildlife and as such is planted to encourage a diverse range of flora and fauna, ultimately leaving behind a newly created wood and a permanent memorial. This form of burial uses biodegradable and ecologically sound coffins, plaques instead of headstones and doesn't segregate varying faiths. Instead of vases of flowers, trees and flower bulbs are planted amongst the graves.
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