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.
St Clement’s churchyard is in the centre of the town of Rhayader, in mid-Wales, Powys. The churchyard is of average size and is the resting place of at least several hundred persons. It is the traditional burial ground for the town. The churchyard is full and is not open to new burials although burials of cremated remains still take place.
The churchyard is home to the infamous ‘Giant’s Grave’ the mass grave thought to be of the garrison of Rhayader Castle killed by Llywelyn ap Iowerth who captured it in 1231.
A recent survey commissioned by CfGA described the churchyard as a ‘herb-rich grassland’ with 11 high quality species identified with 49 species in total. Species such as mouse-ear hawkweed, germander speedwell, ribwort plantain and common catsear are present throughout. Other nice acid grassland species are also present in small patches including heath speedwell and heath bedstraw. The policy of the church’s congregational meeting is to mow the grass bi-annually leaving several unmown patches to allow flowering and pollination. Caution is advised navigating the churchyard which includes large monuments, a gentle slope with drops.
The best time to visit is the spring and summer. The Gwastedyn trail links the seven churches of the Parish with a gorgeous walk around churches including the banks of the River Wye and the Elan Valley. Details are available online.
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
Some of the churchyard is level but there is slope to the south and the churchyard drops away to the western boundary. There is only one path from the main gate to the church doors and around the tower. Please take care.
There are benches next to the church.
There are bus stops in Rhayader. The nearest train station with bus links is in Llandrindod Wells. https://bustimes.org/localities/rhayader
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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
