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.
Our aim is for St Laurence’s churchyard to be a sanctuary, an extension, if you like, of the building itself within and for the community. It has multiple uses: for peace and quiet (the benches are often occupied, especially on a sunny afternoon); as a wildlife haven; for access with many footpaths (one of the paths is a Public Right of Way); and as a backdrop for ceremonies like weddings.
The churchyard has not been officially ‘closed’. The additional burial ground in Cunnery Road was opened in 1870 and the ‘new’ cemetery in 1942; both are the responsibility of the Town Council.
A Churchyard Management Plan has been drawn up using Caring for God’s Acre guidelines. It tries to balance the multiple uses, with some areas kept mown and tidy; other areas are allowed to grow wilder. The churchyard is divided into four areas:
- grass regularly cut – along paths and the triangle to the south of the main church west entrance
- ‘bulb’ areas – regularly cut once bulb flowers have died back in mid-summer
- ‘meadow grass’ – left uncut until a single ‘hay-making cut’ in August
- ‘long grass’ – cut every other year in the autumn; when it is left uncut, it acts as a winter refuge particularly for invertebrates.
The flora is more diverse if tall grasses are prevented from becoming too dominant. So we are trying to reduce the fertility of the churchyard by removing grass clippings. The flora is surveyed most years; in 2019 a total of 126 vascular plants were identified.
A number of nest boxes have been installed in the churchyard. And during the recent repair and renovation of the roof, swift boxes were installed in the tower which we hope will soon be occupied.
A churchyard trail leaflet to explain features of interest is available in the church (which is open during daylight hours) St Laurence’s Churchyard Trail
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- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
Dog friendly (please keep on a lead)
Suitable level access
Access via the main West gate on Church Street is level with no steps; most paths are tarmac, some are level grass.
Five benches in the churchyard.
Baby changing facilities are available in the Parish Centre.
Nearest bus stop is 200 metres away.
Nearest station is 400 metres away in Church Stretton.
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
