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.
Located in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, Warstone Lane Cemetery, also known as the Church of England Cemetery, opened in 1848. The cemetery was created on the site of a former sand quarry, creating a dramatic landscape used to maximum effect when creating the famous circular catacombs. The cemetery chapel, dedicated to St Michael and All Angels was demolished post WWII, following bomb damage to the roof. The chapel footprint is now marked by a Garden of Memory, which contains a small orchard and benches for quiet contemplation.
Originally laid out as a garden cemetery, the site is now is a haven for wildlife, with a number of areas set aside as wildflower meadows and has many mature trees including an avenue of Black Polar hybrids. The site is home to many birds, insects and animals including bats. The site is good for fungi, particularly in early Autumn.
There are 6 interpretation panels in the cemetery which include information about the history of the cemetery, the wildlife and the people interred there including John Baskerville (Birmingham Printer), Warrulan (Aboriginal Australian) and Harry Gem (Lawn Tennis Pioneer. There is a Cross of Sacrifice and Screen Wall Memorial commemorating WWI and WWII casualties and also CWGC war graves in the cemetery.
- Birders paradise
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Great for fungi
- Interpretation boards
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- War memorial
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
The paths which were resurfaced in 2021 allow level access to much of the cemetery, including at the entrances from Vyse Street, Pitsford Street and Icknield Street. The gate on Warstone Lane has steps. There are benches throughout the cemetery without armrests, the benches in the Garden of Memory have armrests.
The cemetery is well served by public transport, close to the Jewellery Quarter station for trains and trams. Buses 8A/8C and 101 stop nearby at the Chamberlain Clock
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.
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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
