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.
Tucked away between the Villages of Wymondham and Mulbarton this churchyard is entirely managed for wildlife. Visit the churchyard in June/July to catch the pyramidal orchids in bloom.
Also present in season is common knapweed, cowslip, dog violet, field scabious, goat’s-beard, greater stitchwort, germander speedwell, lady’s bedstraw, meadow vetchling, ox-eye daisy, perforate St John’s wort, self-heal, shining cranesbill, sorrel, yellow rattle, tufted vetch, wild daffodil, zigzag clover and a range of fine grasses.
The churchyard is mown once in late summer followed by the removal of all herbage. This allows the grasses and wildflowers to grow and set seed as well as maintaining the low nutrient level in the soil, in which most wildflowers prosper.
Native hedgerows surround the churchyard and mature holly, yew and small-leaved lime are also present. The diversity of plants and sensitive management make the churchyard a haven for insects and home to small mammals such as field voles and such larger creatures as foxes and muntjac. The annual bat survey normally finds eight species passing through the churchyard. A wide variety of birds may be seen by the careful observer, a ‘signature’ species being barn owl, which has become prevalent in the area as surrounding farmland has been ecologically managed.
A narrow meandering swathe is cut through the grass throughout the year. This makes it easy for visitors to wander and see the rich plant and insect life close up. During spring and summer, wondering as well as wandering is aided by a small number of discreet boards displaying photos and appropriate quotations. There is also an NWT-designed interpretation board carrying information about the churchyard and its management for biodiversity.
Wymondham Nature Group supports the church in the management of the site with advice and with muscle-power and equipment at mowing time. It was the leading churchyard in the 2014 Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards.
See below on how to get involved.
http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/support-us/local-groups/wymondham-nature-group
- Birders paradise
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Good accessibility
- Lichen haven
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Sundial
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
There are benches in the churchyard. The churchyard is level with a surfaced path from the gate to the church entrance.
The Purple Line Bus from Norwich stops at Cuckoofield Lane, Bracon Ash, about 1.2 miles away.
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
