In May 2021, DBSF acquired both parts of the Memoria Group - Memoria Ltd. and Affordable Funerals (previously Low Cost Funeral Ltd). Memoria is the UK’s third largest developer and operator of private crematoria and memorial parks. Through its Low Cost Funeral business, it is also the country’s largest supplier of online, fulfilled direct cremation and attended funeral fixed price packages. Memoria’s portfolio of 14 high-quality sites across England and Wales has been built with a single vision to deliver the best possible standards of service and facility to look after bereaved families. Three of the Memoria sites feature electric cremators, which reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to gas cremators.  Memoria’s planning and design experience, its high-quality assets, as well as its strong track record in innovation, leadership and management of the cremation sector are a strong cultural and financial fit for DBSF.

In 2018 The Fund acquired a portfolio of six high-quality and differentiated cemetery and ceremonial parks in the UK, currently operated under the GreenAcres brand. The six sites were acquired as a group and provide the Fund with a scalable infrastructure platform, a leading brand and experienced management team.  

The parks total over 270 acres in size and offer c.83,000 burial plots and each site provides full burial, cremated remains and cremation services, with lease options for customers that range from 10 to 125 years.

Whilst the majority of cemeteries are poorly equipped and short of space, Darwin aspires to change the direction of the industry by offering spacious, attractive grounds, that are celebrations of life.  We aim to make cemeteries a place for the living as well as the deceased and help people remember loved ones in a way that is right for them and where memories can live on.  

All the sites feature a chapel/woodland hall, predominantly used for funeral services. Some sites also accommodate weddings and other community services.