NATURAL BURIAL SITE
INFORMATION PACK
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fees
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FLOWERS & PLANTING
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ATTENDING A FUNERAL
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LEGACIES & GIFTS
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Nestling under a canopy of broadleaf trees and a yew grove, our natural burial site lies in a peaceful and secluded corner of The Sustainability Centre.
Our burial site is bordered on three sides by woodland, creating a true sense of intimacy and privacy. Part of the South Downs National Park, the south side overlooks a 50-acre sheep pasture and, on a clear day, gives breath-taking views across Hampshire down to the coast. Many families have found great comfort here, laying their loved ones to rest with natural and simple dignity.
In keeping with our ethos, each grave is dug especially by hand to minimise any impact on the flora, fauna and tranquility of the site. Coffins and shrouds are made from fully biodegradable materials. No permanent headstones or grave-markings are used here (again, to protect the natural surroundings) but families are most welcome to plant native wild flowers. For the burial itself, the coffin is conveyed through the grounds using a hand-drawn bier, or a horse-drawn cart. We also offer a room in which services are held, and can arrange hospitality. Naturally, the location of each grave is meticulously plotted and recorded, and families are provided with a map. Like The Sustainability Centre, the burial site is owned by the charity Earthworks Trust. 
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AWARDED BEST NATURAL BURIAL SITE UK 2022 The Natural Death Centre and Association of Natural Burial Grounds has just awarded The Sustainability Centre with ' Best Natural Burial Site' UK overall winner! This is fantastic news and is so well deserved by our hard working burials team including our Burials Manager Al Blake, his assistant and our award winning grave diggers. Thank you so much for sending the map of the resting place of both my mother and brother. |
CHILDREN AT PLAY
Please be aware The Sustainability Centre's primary role is as an outdoor Education Centre. All of our enterprise activities are in place to support our education programmes. School groups visit daily and at times, you will hear children playing and learning in the grounds. We do our best to manage groups in a sensitive way and avoid incompatible groups meeting, but this is sometimes unavoidable.
CREMATED REMAINS
We do not accept cremated remains to be scattered or buried anywhere on the site.
Please be aware The Sustainability Centre's primary role is as an outdoor Education Centre. All of our enterprise activities are in place to support our education programmes. School groups visit daily and at times, you will hear children playing and learning in the grounds. We do our best to manage groups in a sensitive way and avoid incompatible groups meeting, but this is sometimes unavoidable.
CREMATED REMAINS
We do not accept cremated remains to be scattered or buried anywhere on the site.
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MANAGER
Al Blake South Downs Natural Burial Site The Sustainability Centre Droxford Road East Meon Petersfield Hampshire GU32 1HR PHONE 01730 823425 [email protected] OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm |
APPOINTMENTS
To arrange a burial please make an appointment to avoid a wasted journey. VISITS Informal visits are welcome at any time as the site is open, however staff are only available by appointment. AWARD Winner of the People’s Award for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK 2013 and 2022 ASSOCIATION A Member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds CHARITY The South Downs Natural Burials Site is owned by the Earthworks Trust Charity No. 1079866 |
