The new site, which sits below the Jack and Jill Windmills on the South Downs, will only allow biodegradable materials to be used and instead of grave stones, families can plant trees in memory of loved ones.

The burial ground on Brighton Road, Clayton provides a public footpath for walkers and will allow dogs on a lead.

Owner and managing director David Hampson, of Hurstpierpoint, also believes he is saving precious woodland for the community. He said: "Everyone we have spoken to from friends and colleagues to business contacts and walkers have been very positive about the site.

"When residents see land changing hands their shoulders go down and they expect more houses but the fact that we are just planting trees is a nice surprise for most people.

"It is a way we can secure this land for everyone as a community wood."

For a full report see next week's Mid Sussex Times.

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