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.
The churchyard is the only example in Weston Lullingfileds of permanent ungrazed grassland amongst arable and improved grassland fields. There are pockets of alkaline soil which means calcium loving plants like Quaking-grass and Rough Hawkbit are present.
The grassland is best in spring and early summer when the primroses, pignut and common dog violet flower in profusion alongside other species. There is a wealth of non-invasive grass species and stands of ox-eye daisies and heath speedwell in summer. The groups of fungi and mosses are plentiful in a wet autumn with some species of both needing expert identification.
There is a good fernery at the back of the church.
The churchyard is still an active burial site and much visited by families. The management must balance the human needs with that of the plants. In summer the site is mown, with care, as little as possible and some areas left wild with a general clear up starting after mid July when the flowers and grasses have had a chance to set seed. Mowing stops about mid October with a close mow before fungi appear and then left until primroses and Violets have had a chance to flower and set some seed.
Animals are mostly visitors to the churchyard. Mole, squirrel, badger and fox signs are often present. There is a resident population of shrews and yellow necked mice and a pair of jackdaws usually nest in spring. Bat and bird boxes are on the trees and a bug hotel and two log piles are homes for bugs and beasties.
The churchyard is on a quiet road so bikers and walkers often take a break on one of the three seats. The views over toward Wales are good and in spring the middle view is one of damson blossom in ancient hedgerows.
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
There is a good quality flagstone path that leads from the church gate to the porch going slightly uphill. All other paths are mown grass on a slightly sloping site.
Three Benches with back and arm rests are available in the churchyard.
The 576 Shrewsbury to Oswestry service passes by the church. This is a very sparse service for Weston but more frequent to Baschurch. The 576 Bus timetable is available at https://bustimes.org/services/576-shrewsbury-to-oswestry
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
