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 Margaret’s churchyard is a great example of a landscape of remembrance that is managed for biodiversity and heritage.
Areas of the churchyard are allowed to grow long during the spring and summer to enable the species rich grassland to flourish. These areas are then scythed in the late summer and the cuttings removed allowing the fungi to emerge in the autumn.
Paths of short mown grass are maintained throughout the summer through the wildflower areas, around the church and along the formal path to aid accessibility.
This churchyard features in our short film Why Record Wildlife?
St Margaret’s churchyard is also home to the grave of the last known Sin-Eater in England, Richard Munslow. Sin Eaters were paid a small amount to eat bread and drink ale across the body of someone who died suddenly, taking on their sins so they arrive before God in a clean and pure state.
Species Lists
St Margaret’s Facebook page details about St Margaret’s on A Church Near You.
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
There is a paved path up to the church porch, grass paths are cut around the churchyard throughout the year. There is seating in the porch and one bench with a back and an armrest in the churchyard.
The Shropshire Hills shuttle bus runs past the church, check their website for details
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
