Natural Burial at the South Downs Natural Burial Site,
East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire
£1,695 + coffin + 3rd party fees

Give your loved one a serene and respectful burial at a peaceful location that provides a tranquil resting place, surrounded by nature, where you can honour your loved one’s memory with dignity and care. Whether you’re seeking an eco-friendly alternative or a meaningful connection to nature, our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Introduction to Natural Burial

Natural burial is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional funerals, offering a return to nature in a way that minimises ecological impact. By choosing a natural burial, families honour their loved ones with a simple and meaningful farewell, free from the use of embalming fluids, non-biodegradable materials, or elaborate monuments. Instead, the focus is on embracing the natural cycle of life and fostering sustainability.

Natural burials often take place in serene, unspoiled environments where graves are marked discreetly, and memorials blend harmoniously into the surroundings. This provides a beautiful, tranquil resting place for those who wish to leave a gentle footprint on the earth.

About the South Downs Natural Burial Site

The South Downs Natural Burial Site is located in the heart of the South Downs National Park near Petersfield. This stunning location offers breath-taking views of the rolling countryside, making it an ideal setting for those who appreciate nature’s beauty.

The site has been carefully managed to preserve the natural ecosystem, with areas of woodland, meadows, and seasonal wildflowers creating a peaceful and picturesque environment.

Key Features of the Site:

Natural Landscape: A tranquil space that embraces the beauty of the South Downs.
Environmentally Conscious Practices: Committed to preserving the land and its biodiversity.
Memorial Planting: Options for planting native trees or wildflowers as living memorials.
Accessible Location: Conveniently located near Petersfield, with parking and pathways that ensure accessibility for visitors.
Address: South Downs Natural Burial Site, Droxford Road, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1HR
Phone: 01730 823425
Email: burials@sustainability-centre.org

What to Expect at the South Downs Natural Burial Site

The South Downs Natural Burial Site offers a serene, unspoiled environment where families can connect with nature as they say goodbye to their loved ones.

Unlike traditional cemeteries, this burial ground focuses on simplicity and sustainability. Graves are dug by hand or small machinery to minimize disruption to the land, and only biodegradable materials are permitted.

The site’s layout blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, with no formal headstones or concrete pathways. Instead, graves may be marked with simple wooden plaques, natural stones, or left unmarked for a fully natural return to the earth.

Services Offered by Rounce Funeral Services

Rounce Funeral Services is here to support families every step of the way in planning a natural burial at the South Downs Natural Burial site. Our compassionate team will guide you through the process, ensuring that every detail reflects your loved one’s wishes and values.

Our Services Include:

Liaising with the Burial Site: Handling all arrangements with the South Downs Natural Burial Site, including plot selection and scheduling.
Eco-Friendly Coffins and Shrouds: Providing a range of biodegradable options made from materials such as wicker, bamboo, or untreated wood.
Personalised Ceremonies: Assisting in planning a meaningful service, whether faith-based, non-religious, or entirely unique.
Transportation: Offering respectful and eco-conscious transportation options for the deceased.
Memorialisation: Advising on natural grave markers or memorial planting options.

Who is a Natural Burial Suitable For?

Natural burials are ideal for individuals and families seeking an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional funerals.

This option is particularly appealing to those who:

Wish to minimise their environmental impact.
Value simplicity and connection to nature.
Prefer a less conventional, more personal approach to saying goodbye.
Appreciate the idea of returning to the earth in a natural and unobtrusive way.

Practical Details

Location and Access

The South Downs Natural Burial Site is located near Petersfield, within the South Downs National Park. Ample parking is available for visitors, and paths are maintained to ensure accessibility, though the natural terrain may require some caution in wet weather.

When visiting the site please take appropriate care, some areas have uneven surfaces with trip hazards associated with the great outdoors - conditions can be slippery in wet weather. Please ensure that you dress for the outdoors and bring footwear suitable for all types of weather. The Sustainability Centre will not accept responsibility for any injuries sustained by visitors.

Burial Plot Options

Single Plots: For individuals.
Double Plots: For couples or family members.
Family Plots: Larger areas for multiple burials within a family group.

Plots can be purchased in advance or at the time of need. The site offers flexibility to accommodate specific requests wherever possible.

Burial Prices from 1st Nov 2024:

Single burial for 1 person: £4,649
Double depth burial plot: £7,375
Single burial for a child under 18: £4,245
Single plot for an infant: £1,425
The second interment in a double depth plot will incur an interment fee of £1,386 at the time of the second burial.

Grave Markers and Memorials

The site encourages the use of natural materials for grave markers, such as:

Wooden plaques.
Natural stones.
Planting native trees or wildflowers as a living memorial. The Planting List of Permissible Species is available for download here.

Traditional headstones or non-biodegradable materials are not permitted to preserve the natural integrity of the site.

Visiting the Site

Families are welcome to visit the site before making arrangements to gain a sense of its peaceful atmosphere. Appointments can be arranged through Rounce Funeral Services or directly with the burial site.

Costs and Options

Natural burial costs vary depending on the type of plot and services selected. Typical expenses include:

Burial plot fees (Single burial for 1 person: £4,649).
Grave preparation (included in plot fee).
Biodegradable coffin or shroud (cardboard coffin £360).
Hand bier to transport the coffin to the graveside.
Optional memorial planting.
Rounce Funeral Services £1,695.
Celebrant £300.
The service may be inside in the Green Room, in the Woodland Hall (pictured) which is indoor/outdoor space or in woodland itself beside the grave. £TBC.

Total £7,004.

Rounce Funeral Services will provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your consultation, ensuring transparency and flexibility to meet your needs.

What's included for £1,695?

bringing your loved one into our care from a local hospital within a 15 mile radius of Worthing as soon as possible. Nationwide service will be charged accordingly by mileage and any other toll charges.
looking after them the very best that we can in our specialist facilities at our Worthing funeral home.
your choice whether you want your loved one dressed in their own clothes and surrounded by their own possessions such photos, cards and sweets.
your choice whether to visit your loved one in our Chapel of Rest at a time and day that suits you.
your choice of the time and day of the burial.
personal conversation to receive your instructions.
all funeral and planning arrangements.
provision of a black hearse and four pallbearers for the South Downs Natural Burial.
personalised attention from your dedicated Funeral Director throughout the proceedings.
guidance on the Registration of Death and completion of all legal necessities.
24-hour support and assistance leading up to the funeral.
collection and distribution of floral tributes and charitable donations.
arrangement of press notices.

What's not included in our services and could cost more?

as the cemetery is a natural burial ground, the coffin must be completely biodegradable. There is an additional cost of £360 for a cardboard coffin or £700 for a bamboo, wicker, rattan or woollen coffin.
if your loved one needs to be brought into our care urgently from home, nursing home or hospice, there is an additional charge of £250 plus any mileage and other toll charges for our nationwide service.
If you want your loved one dressed in their own clothes there is an additional charge of £80.
Funeral Flowers - A floral tribute for the top of the coffin. Available from £45.
Credit - Payment must be made prior to the funeral unless agreed otherwise by Rounce.

Be proud of giving your loved one exactly the funeral they wanted.

At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand how important it is to create a meaningful farewell that aligns with your loved one’s values.

If you’re considering a natural burial at the South Downs Natural Burial Site, our experienced team is here to guide and support you.

Get amazing support with a wonderful compassionate service from start to finish.

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Why choose Rounce?

Transparency and Reassurance:

Unlike online providers and some other funeral directors, you can be reassured that your loved one is cared for on our premises (not in a warehouse on an industrial estate) with dignity, respect, and personal attention. You can have them dressed in their favourite clothes, include items, letters, or fragrances to honour their passions and visit them to pay your respects and say an intimate goodbye.

Safe in our Hands with an Award-Winning Service:

Recognized for excellence for nine consecutive years with the "Three Best Rated®" accolade.

National Winner of the Good Funeral Award, the 'Oscars' of the funeral industry.

Independent and Family-Run for over 20 years:

Rounce is a 2nd generation, family-owned business, offering a personal and compassionate approach to funeral services.

Transparent Pricing:

We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or upselling, providing peace of mind for clients.

Direct and Attended Cremations:

Our services include direct cremation starting from £1,195 and attended cremation options at various crematoriums through East and West Sussex.

Direct and Attended Burials:

We offer direct burial starting at £1,595, attended traditional burials at various cemeteries and natural burial services at sites like Clayton Wood and South Downs.

Always keep your loved one near to you with our Special Touches:

We provide unique options like memorial jewellery, memory bears, scatter tubes, and sunflower seeds to commemorate loved ones.

Honouring their Service with Veteran Funerals:

Rounce offers special services for veterans, including military honours such as a Regimental Coffin Drape, Medals and Cap or Beret on the coffin, Standard Bearers slow march in front of the cortege and a Bugler for the Act of Remembrance.

Respect nature with our Eco-Friendly Services:

We support green and natural burial services, allowing families to choose environmentally conscious options such as willow and cardboard coffins.

Celebrate your loved ones life with our Funeral Vehicles:

Alongside our normal Jaguar Fleet, we offer a range of funeral vehicles including a motorcycle hearse, a horse-drawn hearse and a classic Daimler in leopard print to celebrate your loved ones hobby or character.

Celebrate your loved ones personality with Coffin Personalisation:

Personalised wooden heart tags can be attached to coffins for a sentimental touch and colourful ribbons can be tied to the coffin handles to celebrate a favourite team or colour.

Symbolise love, respect, and remembrance with our Funeral Flowers:

We offer a variety of floral tribute options from £45 to enhance the funeral service.

Bereavement Support:

Rounce partners with SAIF Care, providing emotional and practical support for families during the grieving process.

Discount Programs:

We are proud to offer discounts to holders of Blue Light Cards, Defence Discount Cards, and those receiving welfare benefits.

Provision for the Deaf:

We ensure our services are accessible to the deaf community, offering communication support where needed.

24 Hour, 365 Day Emergency Support

Here for you, whenever you need us.

Rounce have over 300+ 5 Star Reviews on

We have helped 2,000+ families over 20+ years to give their loved ones' a personal, dignified send off. Here's what our families say.

“Rounce were our Mum’s chosen funeral directors and we couldn’t have been more impressed with their care of us and of her. Their compassion, open communication and encouragement with our personal funeral touches were significant and have left a positive memory on what is undoubtedly the worst time in your life. Well done, thank you, and may we all always be blowing bubbles ❤️”

Imogen Watkins