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.
We have been managing the churchyard for about 13 years now, since a small group of us decided that too many flowers were being cut and that the grass cuttings being left were unsightly and doing no good!
It has been a struggle, but we have more volunteers now. The cutting regime, for which we have to pay, varies according to the weather. This year we have manage with only one, but the clearing was not as thorough, as the weather was against us. Last year we needed three cuts, which were cleared pretty well.
The best time to visit is spring when the churchyard is full of primroses and also cowslips on the NW side of the church, under the tower. These have spread very well and are now sometimes seen on the S side too. We then have a good variety of flowers through the summer, including the Hop trefoil – and I did see two blue butterflies on these this year! It was not a good year for butterflies, but we have orange tips early on, while small tortoiseshell, peacocks and red admirals do enjoy the buddleia later. We also have many moths, if you are outl ate to see them!
Two surveys in successive years, 2021 and 2022, recorded a total of over 130 species, including a common spotted orchid this year. There are cyclamen in the autumn, also spreading each year.
Paths are mown through the churchyard to facilitate access in all seasons
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Good accessibility
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
Access is level, but paths are all grass within the burial ground
No benches yet
Very limited buses, the closest bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the church
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
