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 church is situated on elevated ground on the lip of the Glaven valley and overlooking the flood plain towards Cley. The soil is light and sandy and probably alluvial in origin. There do not appear to be many calcareous elements and the flora is not naturally so diverse as would be expected on a more alkaline soil.
The churchyard has been managed for biodiversity since 2014, helping to encourage a range of species in this rare habitat of old, unimproved grassland.
Plant species such as Ox-eye Daisy, Creeping Cinquefoil, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Meadow Cranesbill, Common Mallow, Perforate St. John’s-wort, Sorrel, Common Knapweed and Lady’s Bedstraw can be seen in the summer and Meadow Saxifrage and Cowslips in the spring. Grass species include Golden Oat-grass, Crested Dog’s-tail, Yorkshire Fog, Red Fescue and Meadow Oat-grass.
The grassland is allowed to grow long over the summer providing habitat for butterflies and other insects and in turn feeding opportunities for the Pipistrelle bat as well as other mammals and birds. Over much of the area the emphasis is on conserving the natural beauty rather than tidiness, including sharing it with a healthy population of Moles. Swifts, and occasionally Swallows, nest in the church.
The churchyard is cut and raked by local volunteers in mid-September and the cuttings removed to maintain a low nutrient habitat that discourages the greedy ‘thug’ species such as Cock’s-foot and False Oat-grass and encourages a wide diversity in other plant species.
A network of paths and open areas is regularly mown by a team of volunteers, giving easy access to all parts of the churchyard and beautiful views across the Glaven valley.
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Lichen haven
- Lychgate
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Sundial
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
Please visit the church website https://glavenvalleychurches.org.uk/wiveton-church-life-and-events/
The churchyard is mostly level with a gravel path up to the church door from the gate and grass paths around the churchyard.
The bus stop 100yds from the church is serviced by the number 46 and 202 buses.
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
