A natural burial cemetery where only bio-degradable coffins can be used is to open in Brighton.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s bereavement services department devised the two-acre Woodland Valley cemetery in response to increased demand for woodland burials.

The site was chosen for its natural beauty and overlooks the Downs and the sea from near Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Warren Road, Woodingdean.

Woodingdean councillor Dee Simson said: “I think it’s an absolutely ideal site, right by the copse. It’s beautiful and a lovely place to go to visit. It gives you a lift.

“I think everybody should have the choice of where and how they’re buried. It’s a personal choice.”

Councillor Leo Littman, who is responsible for life events at Brighton and Hove City Council, said the plans for Woodland Valley were sensitive to the changing needs of people in the city and the environment.

He said: “The location offers a tranquil place to be calm and remember loved ones. The area is already an attractive location and will grow even more beautiful over time as the woodland grows to maturity. It is an honour to be involved in helping to improve choice for people in need of bereavement services.”

The council said it would keep burial fees competitive, with prices starting at £1,250 for a single plot and around 1,800 plots available.

These will be in different areas around the cemetery rather than straight rows and each grave will be marked with a metal plaque rather than a headstone. Small wooden memorials and wildflowers will also be available to personalise graves.

A separate area where cremated remainsmay be scattered is also being planned.

There will be no lighting within Woodland Valley, where trees, shrubs and hedgerows were planted in January.

The carefully-selected plants will turn the field into a flourishing meadow.

Brighton’s original woodland burial ground was developed in Borough Cemetery, Bear Road, in 1994. It was the first of its kind to provide a totally ecological funeral. But it has proved so popular it is now full.

Brighton’s woodland burial grounds are available to everyone, irrespective of faith or religion.