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.
Whilst the site St John’s is not an ancient one, with the first chapel on the site originating in 1836, the churchyard was formed when Croydon was a rural area. The creation of the churchyard encapsulated a pocket of countryside at that time and the churchyard continues to be home to plant species that would have been common outside its boundaries 150+ years ago before it became enveloped in the growing city. This includes species such as meadow saxifrage, lady’s bedstraw, yellow oat grass, crested dog’s tail and meadow buttercup.
The diversity of the plants in the churchyard is down to careful management and collaboration between the verger, grounds maintenance contractors, a local botanist and acceptance by the church/local community. It is often tricky to manage such a successful working relationship so it’s success here is worthy of note.
The development of the Shirley Poppy is closely related to this churchyard as it’s instigator was the Reverend William Wilkes of this Parish for more information on the hybrid poppy that has become a symbol of the area please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_poppy
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Good accessibility
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
The churchyard is largely level with a variety of path surfaces including paving stones and gravel.
There are several benches for seating around the churchyard.
There are several bus stops within 10 mins walk from the churchyard. The closest is on Upper Shirley Road, a 5min walk from the churchyard and is served by 130 and 466 for more information please visit https://tfl.gov.uk/
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
