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.
Holy Trinity Churchyard, Prestwood, is a rare survival of the original acid grass heath that was prevalent on the extensive old Chiltern commons that were almost entirely destroyed when enclosed in the middle of the 19th century.
Plants survive here that are no longer known anywhere else in the region. In addition, the combination of no fertilisers, regular mowing and removal of cuttings, has created the ideal conditions for what is known as a “waxcap grassland”, where a special suite of fungi that are largely very rare can flourish – mostly waxcaps, but also “clubs” and pinkgills.
The grass land at Holy Trinity is classified as grass-heath. Plant species associated with this include heathgrass, native heather, heath bedstraw, tormentil and heath speedwell.
Lichens and mosses feature strongly in this diverse churchyard.
Holy Trinity Churchyard Report
Holy Trinity Churchyard Management Plan
Please visit the church website.
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Lichen haven
- Lychgate
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
The churchyard is a largely level site with surfaced paths right around the church and across the churchyard.
There is an accessible toilet in the church, and another adjoining the church hall.
There are two benches with a back and arm rest in the churchyard as well as a picnic table. There is covered seating in the lychgate.
The 41 bus (Great Missenden to High Wycombe).
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service/41-high-wycombe-to-great-missenden
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.
