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.
All Saints’ Church, Warlingham, was built in 1250 AD with a small area of land around it for burials. Thanks to benefactors the ground was gradually extended to 2½ acres.
There is an ecological approach to the management of the churchyard which benefits wild animals including deer and foxes, many birds, insects and some reptiles. There are also many anthills. A team of volunteers and one contracted person tend the area. Some endangered species have been seen – stag beetle, the lesser spotted woodpecker and the wild fritillary.
There are many interesting trees including an ancient yew and five Cryptomeria Japonica Lobbii. Wild flowers appear in several parts of the churchyard and an area can be seen in the spring near the entrance to the churchyard. The best time to see the wild flowers is usually in May.
Several surveys have taken place identifying 55 species of birds, 40 species of lichen (on tombstones and walls of the church), 40 species of trees and shrubs and 142 species of wild flowers.
As this land is almost full for burials, an extension was made in 2018 to the north of the existing churchyard, which extends it to about 5 acres. This area is named Reynard’s Field acknowledging the donor. Both areas will continue to be tended in the same ecological manner.
A book, ‘Stories from the Churchyard’ is on sale at the church for £5. This does not cover the flora and fauna but includes information about interesting people buried in the churchyard including Sir Joseph Swan, inventor of the electric lamp.
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- Birders paradise
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Lichen haven
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
There are various wooden bench seats around the churchyard. There is level access to the burial ground with gravel paths.
Croydon – Warlingham Bus 403 stops at Church Road bus stop, approximately 100 metres on level walk down Church Road.
Bus timetable at https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/timetable/403/
Southern Railway – Oxted line from Victoria, stops at Sanderstead Station (403 bus from outside the station) and Upper Warlingham Station (Southdown bus 411 and 409 stop outside the station) to Warlingham Green. (Church Road is approx. 25 metres from Warlingham Green.
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
