Natural Burials at South Downs:
Eco-Friendly Farewells in Hampshire
£1,895 + coffin + 3rd party fees

Celebrate a life naturally at South Downs Natural Burial Site in East Meon, near Petersfield, Hampshire. Choose an eco-friendly, sustainable burial in the peaceful woodlands of the South Downs, where nature provides a serene resting place. Rounce Funeral Services offers compassionate guidance to help you create a meaningful, green farewell in harmony with the environment.

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 Jan 2026:

Single burial for 1 person: £4,825
Double depth burial plot: £7,655
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 £1,438 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: £4,825).
Grave preparation (included in plot fee).
Biodegradable coffin or shroud (cardboard coffin £400).
Hand bier to transport the coffin to the graveside.
Optional memorial planting.
Rounce Funeral Services £1,895.
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 £7,420.

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 £1,895?

bringing your loved one into our care from a local hospital within a 10 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 £400 for a cardboard coffin or £800 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 £275 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 £125.
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 some online providers and larger chains, you can be reassured that your loved one is cared for entirely on our own premises — not in a warehouse or industrial estate — with dignity, respect, and personal attention.
You’re welcome to have them dressed in their favourite clothes, include personal items, letters, or fragrances to honour their passions, and visit them in our chapel of rest to pay your respects and say an intimate goodbye.

Safe in our Hands with an Award-Winning Service

National Winner at the 2025 and 2019 Good Funeral Awards, Finalist in 2019 and 2017, often described as the “Oscars” of the funeral profession.
Recognised for excellence for nine consecutive years with the Three Best Rated® accolade.

These awards reflect our continued commitment to the highest standards of care, compassion, and professionalism.

Independent and Family-Run for over 20 years

Rounce is a second-generation, family-owned funeral director offering a personal, compassionate approach and genuine continuity of care throughout every step of the process.

Transparent Pricing

We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or unnecessary upselling, giving complete peace of mind from the start.

Direct and Attended Cremations

From £1,395, we offer both direct cremation and attended cremation services at crematoriums throughout East and West Sussex — each conducted with the same care and dignity.

Direct and Attended Burials

We offer direct burials from £1,695, attended traditional burials at local cemeteries, and natural burial services at tranquil sites including Clayton Wood and South Downs.

Special Touches to Keep Their Memory Close

From memorial jewellery and memory bears to scatter tubes and sunflower seeds, we provide meaningful ways to keep your loved one’s presence close and their memory alive.

Honouring Service with Veteran Funerals

We proudly offer funerals with full military honours, including a Regimental Coffin Drape, medals and cap or beret on the coffin, Standard Bearers leading the cortege, and a Bugler for the Act of Remembrance.

Eco-Friendly and Natural Options

Respect the environment with green and natural funeral choices, including willow and cardboard coffins and woodland burials for families wishing to tread lightly on the earth.

Funeral Vehicles to Reflect a Life Well-Lived

In addition to our Jaguar fleet, we offer distinctive vehicles including a motorcycle hearse, horse-drawn hearse, and a classic leopard-print Daimler, helping celebrate your loved one’s character and passions.

Coffin Personalisation

Personalised wooden heart tags and colourful ribbons can be added to the coffin to represent a favourite colour, team, or cherished memory — a small detail that makes a big difference.

Funeral Flowers

Working with our trusted local partner Greenfingers Florist, Worthing, we offer stunning floral tributes from £45, carefully designed to symbolise love, respect, and remembrance.

Bereavement Support

Through our partnership with SAIF Care, families have access to free, professional bereavement counselling and emotional support following the funeral.

Discount Programs

We are proud to support our community with discounts for Blue Light Card holders, Defence Discount Card holders, and those receiving welfare benefits.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We ensure our services are accessible to everyone.
Our arrangement room and chapel of rest are wheelchair-friendly, and we offer communication support for deaf clients to help ensure every family feels comfortable and included.
(Please note: our toilet facilities are not currently wheelchair accessible.)

24-Hour, 365-Day Support

We’re here for you, whenever you need us — day or night, every day of the year.

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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 ❤️”

Imogen Watkins