Burial Site Flowers and Planting

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​Woodland Management and ​Tree Planting

Our Natural Burial Site was a conifer and beech plantation planted about 40 years ago by the Royal Navy. The woodland had never been managed so the trees have failed to thrive.
 
As part of our woodland restoration and management we are now felling most of the conifer and replanting with species that belong on the South Downs. The re-stocked woodland will consist of native species that may eventually be coppiced and harvested for rural industry and wood fuel. This ‘working woodland’ will dramatically extend the life of the trees and shrub-layer species.
​This, in turn will enhance the opportunities for wildlife. Trees are planted in the winter months, when the young tree has the best chance of survival.
 
Not all plots will have a tree planted. This may be because the plot is already under an existing tree or in an area where a tree would be inappropriate, or the plot is not yet fully occupied.

Planting Flowers

There are a wide variety of wildflowers and native bulbs that are suitable for this habitat and may be planted. Only species that are native to the South Downs are permitted.
  
Nature is wonderful and will naturally re-colonise the site given time, so if you can be patient and allow natural regeneration it will provide the most suitable plants for this location. ​ 

All species which are not native to the South Downs are removed. This is to prevent cross-pollination and the irreversible contamination of our wild, native species. The most common plants that need to be removed are Spanish Bluebells and Primula/Polyanthus. 
 
If you wish to plant flowers in graves we strongly recommend Naturescape.
They are a mail order nursery who always supply the correct species from our list.

Naturescape
PHONE
01949 860592
permissable_plant_list_burials_ground.pdf
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South Downs Natural Burial Site
The Sustainability Centre
Droxford Road
East Meon
Petersfield
Hampshire
GU32 1HR

PHONE
01730 823425
07799 065976

EMAIL
burials@sustainability-centre.org

OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
9.30am - 4.30pm
​
MANAGER
Al Blake

APPOINTMENTS
Please make an appointment to avoid a wasted journey. 
​Informal visits are welcome at any time. 

AWARD
Winner of the People’s Award for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK 2013

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