Woodland burial site created in Brighton and Hove

This artist's impression of the mature site shows the views down to the sea

Demand for natural burials in Brighton has led to a new woodland cemetery being created in the city.

A site on Warren Road, in Woodingdean, which overlooks chalk downland and the sea, has been selected by Brighton and Hove City Council.

A current site in Brighton is full and another in Hove has become increasingly popular.

Natural burials include an informal site without headstones and populated by trees, hedgerows and wild flowers.

Biodegradable coffins

The city council said 1,800 plots are now available with prices ranging from £1,250.

Plots will be placed in different areas around the cemetery rather than in conventional straight rows.

Each grave will be marked with a metal plaque at ground level instead of traditional headstones.

The council said it hopes the plants will mature in five to 10 years, adding that only biodegradable coffins will be allowed.