Natural Burials at Clayton Wood:
Eco-Friendly Farewells in West Sussex
£1,695 + coffin + 3rd party fees
Honour your loved one’s life with a sustainable, environmentally friendly burial at Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground in Hassocks, near Brighton. Embrace the beauty of a green burial in the serene woodlands of the South Downs, where nature and remembrance come together. Rounce Funeral Services is here to guide you in planning a peaceful, eco-conscious farewell tailored to your wishes.
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 Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground
Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground is a stunning 15-acre site located at Brighton Rd, Clayton, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9PD, on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Known for its rolling hills, rich wildlife, and serene ambiance, the burial ground offers an alternative to traditional cemeteries by focusing on sustainability and harmony with nature.
With sweeping views across the Downs, the site is managed to encourage natural habitats to thrive, creating a resting place that honours both loved ones and the environment. Clayton Wood is a place where families can come to reflect, surrounded by birdsong, wildflowers, and the tranquillity of the countryside.
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.
Key Features of Clayton Wood
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Environmentally Friendly: The burial ground uses sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact. Embalming chemicals are avoided, and burials use biodegradable coffins, shrouds, or urns to allow the body to return naturally to the earth.
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Beautiful, Scenic Setting: The burial ground is set amidst meadows, trees, and rolling landscapes, creating a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance.
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Memorial Options: Graves can be marked discreetly with a simple wooden plaque or left unmarked to blend naturally into the landscape. Families may also choose to plant a memorial tree as a living tribute.
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Tailored Burial Areas: Clayton Wood offers different areas for burial, such as meadowland or woodland, depending on the family’s preference.
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Accessible Location: Situated just off the A273 in Hassocks, Clayton Wood is easily accessible from Brighton and the surrounding areas, making it convenient for family visits.
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Address: Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground, Brighton Road, Clayton, West Sussex, BN6 9PD
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Phone: 01273 843842
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Email: info@claytonwood.co.uk
What to Expect at Clayton Wood Natural Burial Site
The Clayton Wood 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, planted trees, or left unmarked for a fully natural return to the earth.
Services Offered by Rounce Funeral Services
Rounce Funeral Services is here to provide full support in planning and arranging a natural burial at Clayton Wood.
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Expert Guidance: Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the burial plot to organising a personalised service that honours your loved one’s life.
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Liaison with Clayton Wood: We coordinate directly with the staff at Clayton Wood to arrange burial plots, confirm logistics, and ensure all details are managed smoothly.
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Eco-Friendly Choices: We offer a wide range of environmentally friendly options, including biodegradable coffins, urns, and shrouds, ensuring the burial aligns with ecological values.
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Transportation and Care: Our professional team provides respectful care for your loved one, including preparation and transportation to the burial site.
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Ceremony Arrangements: Whether you prefer a quiet family gathering or a larger celebration of life, we can help plan the ceremony, including music, readings, and other tributes.
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Memorialisation: Advising on natural grave markers or memorial planting options.
Why choose a Natural Burial?
Natural burial grounds are a meaningful alternative for those who prioritise simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature.
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Eco-Conscious Practices: Natural burials avoid the use of non-biodegradable materials, heavy machinery, and chemical processes. This approach helps preserve ecosystems and reduce carbon footprints.
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Blending with Nature: The burial ground is designed to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a sense of unity with the natural world. This makes it an appealing choice for those who want to leave a lasting positive impact on the planet.
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Spiritual and Emotional Comfort: Many families find solace in the cyclical nature of life and the idea of returning to the earth. The natural setting often provides a more relaxed and less formal atmosphere for ceremonies.
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Personalisation and Simplicity: Natural burials focus on simplicity and personal choice, with flexibility for unique ceremonies that reflect the deceased’s personality and values.
Practical Details
Location and Access
Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground is located near Hassocks, just north of Brighton, on the edge of 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.
Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground will not accept responsibility for any injuries sustained by visitors.
Burial Plot Options
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Single Plots: For individuals.
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Double Plots: For couples or family members.
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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 3rd Feb 2025:
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Single burial for 1 person: from £1,885 to £4,760
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Double depth burial plot: not available
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Baby Glade (0-2 years): £685
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Grave preparation fee (single depth only): £685
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Due to the nature of the ground some burial locations may be tied to seasonal digging only.
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Some selected graves are only available if the grave is dug by hand at additional cost.
Costs and Options
Natural burial costs vary depending on the type of plot and services selected. Typical expenses include:
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Burial plot fees (Single burial for 1 person: £4,649).
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Grave preparation (included in plot fee).
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Biodegradable coffin or shroud (cardboard coffin £360).
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Hand bier to transport the coffin to the graveside.
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Optional memorial planting.
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Rounce Funeral Services £1,695.
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Celebrant £300.
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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.
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Total £7,004.
Rounce Funeral Services will provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your consultation, ensuring transparency and flexibility to meet your needs.
Grave Markers and Living Memorials
All areas, except Clayton Meadows, can have an approved above ground memorial plaque only, which is available to be purchased from Clayton Wood.
Clayton Meadows North, South, East & West
Clayton Meadows can be memorialised by plaques attached to memorial poles positioned on the edges of the meadows only.
Traditional headstones or non-biodegradable materials are not permitted to preserve the natural integrity of the site.
Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground offers the option to plant a tree as part of their natural burial services. This provides a living memorial for your loved one and contributes to the site's ecological sustainability.
When choosing a tree, the selection typically depends on the site's ecological guidelines and native species that thrive in the area. Common options include:
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Oak: A long-living symbol of strength and endurance.
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Beech: Known for its beautiful canopy and vibrant autumn colours.
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Silver Birch: A graceful tree with striking white bark.
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Rowan: Often called the "Tree of Life," with small red berries that attract wildlife.
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Hawthorn: A small tree with seasonal blossoms, representing hope and protection.
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:
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Burial plot fees for 1 person in the Oak Lea Meadow (an enclosed meadow in the heart of Clayton Wood surrounded by an ancient oak tree and maturing alder trees): £1,885.
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Grave preparation: £685.
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Biodegradable coffin or shroud (cardboard coffin £360).
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Optional memorial planting.
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Rounce Funeral Services including pallbearers to transport the coffin to the graveside: £1,695.
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Celebrant £300.
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The service may be inside the Service Hall (pictured) for up to 1 hour: no charge when having a full burial.
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Optional audio & visual service.
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Total £4,925.
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?
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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.
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looking after them the very best that we can in our specialist facilities at our Worthing funeral home.
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your choice whether you want your loved one dressed in their own clothes and surrounded by their own possessions such photos, cards and sweets.
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your choice whether to visit your loved one in our Chapel of Rest at a time and day that suits you.
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your choice of the time and day of the burial.
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personal conversation to receive your instructions.
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all funeral and planning arrangements.
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provision of a black hearse and four pallbearers for the Clayton Woods Natural Burial.
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personalised attention from your dedicated Funeral Director throughout the proceedings.
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guidance on the Registration of Death and completion of all legal necessities.
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24-hour support and assistance leading up to the funeral.
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collection and distribution of floral tributes and charitable donations.
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arrangement of press notices.
What's not included in our services and could cost more?
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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.
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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.
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If you want your loved one dressed in their own clothes there is an additional charge of £80.
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Funeral Flowers - A floral tribute for the top of the coffin. Available from £45.
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Credit - Payment must be made prior to the funeral unless agreed otherwise by Rounce.
How to Arrange a Burial at Clayton Wood
Planning a natural burial can feel daunting, but Rounce Funeral Services is here to make the process straightforward and compassionate.
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Initial Consultation:
We’ll discuss your preferences and provide detailed information about the options available at Clayton Wood. -
Coordination:
We handle all logistical arrangements, including booking the burial plot, preparing the site, and organising the service. -
Personalised Support:
Our team is available to answer questions, provide advice, and ensure the process aligns with your family’s wishes.
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 Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground, our experienced team is here to guide and support you.
Get amazing support with a wonderful compassionate service from start to finish.
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
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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 ❤️”
South Downs Natural Burial
If you would prefer to consider a natural burial in Petersfield, Hampshire, take a look at our service at the South Downs Natural Burial Site.
Clayton Wood Price Lists 2025
Rounce Funeral Services have been a leading light in advertising all prices for the last 20 years on our website and in our premises.
We have always believed that every customer should know how much Rounce charge for a funeral and any other associated costs before they engage our services.
Please find pdfs of the Clayton Wood Price Lists for 2025 for Burials, Visual Tributes and Memorials for download and print:
Burial Fees
Visual Tribute Fees
Memorial Fees
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