Frequently Asked Questions
A natural burial is an environmentally friendly alternative to a traditional burial. It uses biodegradable coffins or shrouds, disallows embalming and creates a peaceful resting place that allows the body to return naturally to the earth.
The woodland is managed to encourage biodiversity and is home to wildlife including roe deer, muntjac deer, owls, badgers, raptors and stoats, weasels, grass snakes & adders. Some areas of our award- winning burial site have been recognised for its diverse flora by Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre. These areas have now been designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) This is due to our sensitive management of the site, and our Woodland management plan.
The burial ground is located at The Sustainability Centre near East Meon, Hampshire, within the South Downs National Park. It is surrounded by woodland with stunning views across the Hampshire countryside, and the English Channel. Visit our Find Us section to plan your journey.
Yes. The burial ground is open to everyone, regardless of where they live or whether they have a religious or non-religious preference.
Only fully biodegradable coffins and shrouds are permitted to ensure the burial remains as environmentally friendly as possible.
No. To preserve the natural landscape, traditional headstones and permanent grave markers are not permitted. However, families are welcome to plant native wildflowers, and memorial trees help create the woodland. In some cases we allow habitat boxes – with names of the deceased on them, and less frequently- benches.
Yes. You are welcome to visit the site at any time. However, if you wish to discuss arrangements or view the site with a member of staff, please call 01730 823425 or email (burials@sustainability-centre.org) and book an appointment in advance.
Each grave is carefully mapped and recorded, and families receive a location map. The landscape remains free from permanent markers to protect its natural beauty.
No. The South Downs Natural Burial Site does not accept cremated remains for burial or scattering. Being an environmental education centre, we feel it inappropriate to encourage environmentally unfriendly practices. Consequently, we do not accept cremated remains.
Every grave is dug by hand to minimise disturbance to the surrounding wildlife, flora and woodland environment.
Yes. The Sustainability Centre has facilities where funeral services can be held, and catering or hospitality may also be arranged, subject to availability.
The burial site is accessible only by site vehicles. On funeral days, guests who may find the walk difficult can be conveyed to the site in one of our vehicles. Site vehicles are also available for those wishing to visit graves, by appointment only.
Yes. Fresh cut flowers may be left on a grave, but they should be free from plastic wrapping, ribbons, wire or floral foam to protect the environment. See more about this in our flowers and planting section. Flower arrangements using oasis are prohibited. If people bring oasis arrangements, they are asked to take them home with them. Some florists are now offering a biodegradable oasis. This is still not acceptable at our site, as it is still not fully biodegradable.
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead, and owners are asked to clean up after them. We have a dog waste bin onsite near the visitors’ centre.
Yes, appointments are essential if you wish to arrange a burial or discuss funeral plans with the Burial Site team. Any informal visits to walk around the Sustainability Centre, and burial site, are welcome at any time.
The South Downs Natural Burial Site is owned and managed by the Earthworks Trust, the charity behind the Sustainability Centre. Income from the burial site helps support the charity’s environmental education and conservation work.