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.
Heene Cemetery is a one-acre, town-centre cemetery that was opened in 1873 and closed in 1977. It is tended by a group of volunteers throughout the year. In Spring and Summer, flowers and grasses are allowed to grow to full height, providing a spellbinding natural display.
The Friends of Heene research and publish the biographies of the 1,960 people buried here. In 1992 the cemetery was designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, changing to a Sussex Local Wildlife Site in 2018, in recognition of its meadowland origins. On-going species surveying is taking place. In May 2025, for example, the species count stood at 736 – and rising.
Volunteers aim to preserve and encourage biodiversity, taking advice from local and national subject specialists. Community engagement is a priority and a series of Open Days with guided tours runs throughout the year. A visit to the group’s website at http://www.heenecemetery.org.uk is highly recommended.
- Birders paradise
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Lichen haven
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
This is a closed cemetery (requiring prior appointments for visits outside regular opening hours)
An active heritage group is researching the biographies of the buried
Sussex Local Wildlife Site
Winner of Green Flag Community Award in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
Focus of an on-going citizen science species surveying project
This is a level site with grass paths. On request, special matting can be laid down over the most uneven surfaces. There are benches, and chairs with arms that can be placed around the cemetery.
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
