We are compiling this directory of flowery burial grounds from across the UK, which we would recommend visiting if you are looking for a well managed site rich in wildlife and heritage. Burial grounds can have a rich array of plants, animals and fungi, and may contain the only surviving area of flower-rich grassland in a parish. All the sites listed here contain this habitat. To see the flowers at their best, late May to mid or end of July is usually the most suitable time to visit. However, do contact the site managers for more specific timings before you visit if this is important to you.
Reading Old Cemetery is beautiful example of a Victorian Garden Cemetery which opened in 1843. The site is literally sandwiched between two very busy main roads and as such it provides a vital green lung and a valuable wildlife oasis in what is otherwise a very urban part of East Reading.
The cemetery contains 4.7 hectares of semi-improved and unimproved grassland – with two areas are managed as wildflower meadows. These areas contain a good range of fine leaved grasses and flowering plants including Oxeye daisy , Ladies-bedstraw, Germander Speedwell, Yarrow, Bulbous Buttercup, Knapweed and Yellow rattle. The best time to see these meadow areas in full bloom and buzzing with wildlife is between April and September.
The site also contains several stunning, mature specimen trees that date back to the original planting by of the site by Sutton Seeds Ltd during the Victorian era. Six of these trees are listed on The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory.
The site is a haven for a range of wildlife – ranging from butterflies, moths, bees and other invertebrates. There is a good variety of birds and bats plus other species typically associated with older burial grounds such as mosses, lichens and fungi. We also have a small population of Muntjac deer that are very popular with the local community!
A group of volunteers (called Econet’s Friends of Reading Old Cemetery) help to manage the site and to enhance the biodiversity it contains. The group run regular work parties, guided walks and family open days at the site throughout the year.
- Birders paradise
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
There are several small noticeboards at the site which focus on the wildlife found at the site.
There is level access to the main tarmac driveway. Most of the other paths throughout the site are a mixture of grass, tarmac and woodchip. There is one bench which has a back and arm rest which offers a lovely view of the site.
The map below will take a few seconds to load. You can search for a burial ground either by county, or by the name of the burial ground, or by clicking the markers on the map.
Add your burial ground.
If you would like to nominate a flowery burial ground that you manage for inclusion in our directory, please complete the form here. We will review all submissions before inclusion in the directory, so please understand you won’t see your burial ground immediately.Â
