Find a Flowery Burial Ground

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.

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St John the Baptist, Hope Bagot

St John the Baptist is an ancient church built next to a venerable yew which has survived since the Roman occupation and a holy well. The churchyard has been traditionally managed as a species rich grassland for many years and is left to flower until late July when it is scythed and raked.

In early summer the churchyard is a sea of oxeye daisies with selfheal, yellow rattle and meadow buttercup scattered throughout the mix of grasses. Later in the season devils bits scabious betony and back knapweed emerge. Over 100 species of plant and 60 species of fungi have been recorded in this churchyard so far.

Address

St John the Baptist Church
Hope Bagot
Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 3AF
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Features:

Birders paradise
Lychgate
Peaceful space for quiet reflection
Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
Wildlife haven

Opening times:

The graveyard is accessible at all times.

Accessibility information:

This is a sloping site both the access at the lych gate and from the car park have steps. Once in the churchyard there is a solid path to the church and across the churchyard. Other paths are grassy and uneven. There are a couple of benches in the churchyard and seating in the porch.

Updated:

29th April 2025

Parking available:

There is a small car park shared with the village hall to the south of the church.

Is there a cafe nearby?

Ludlow (15 mins drive) has a number of cafe’s and take away options.

Nearest toilet:

Castle Street Car Park (behind Ludlow Market), Ludlow, SY8 1AT (15 mins drive) Male toilets, Female toilets, Urinal, Unisex Disabled toilets – Radar Key accessible, Baby Changing facilities. Opening Times: 7.00am – 7.00pm, 7 days a week. There is a charge of 20p for the use of these toilets.

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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.