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.
The parish church of St Martin’s church dates from the 12th Century, it stands on a slight rise off the Lewes Road. The walls are flint, plastered in part, with sandstone dressings; the roofs have tiles on the north and chiefly Horsham slates on the south.
It has an area of neutral grassland to the north with a tall but varying structure, containing abundant False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolate) and Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis).
Although considered to be Arrhenatherum neutral grassland given the abundance of False Oat-grass, the sward is fairly species diverse with a high proportion of herbs which included a number of species characteristic of lowland meadow grassland such as Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum).
The churchyard is scattered with Yew trees (Taxus baccata) and other broadleaved species.
In the spring there are daffodils, primroses, cowslips and other spring bulbs. Spring and early summer is best.
- Good accessibility
- Lichen haven
- Lychgate
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
Churchyard cross
Main paths are brick, with grass paths in the south churchyard. There are wooden benches in the burial ground, with back and armrest.
There is a bus service but it is infrequent.
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
