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 Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene in it's present form dates from 1275 - with the addition of the Victorian steeple. After a devastating fire in 2010, the interior was restored to a much simpler style removing much of the Victorian restoration. It stands on high ground over looking the valley of the River Line amidst farmland which was formerly noted for hop growing.
In the Spring there are Daffodils, Snowdrops and Primroses followed as summer progresses, by Ox-eye Daisies, Birds Foot Trefoil, Knapweed, Common Spotted and Pyramidical Orchids and other plants typical of unimproved neutral grassland. The Churchyard is surrounded by mature deciduous trees. Grass is cut to a Spring and Summer meadow plan with planned areas of wildness.
Whatington Road
Whatlington.near Battle, East Sussex TN330ND
Map It
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
The Church has a plan showing the location of marked and unmarked graves which can be viewed by arrangement. There are also folders in the Church which describe its history and give information about the war memorial.
In the Churchyard is the grave of Malcolm Muggeridge - journalist, writer, MI5 agent and TV personality who exposed the famine in Ukraine in 1935/36 and lived at Mill House just north east of the Church.
There are 2 wooden seats with backrests and arms, picnicking is welcomed.
In 1066 both King Harold and William the Conqueror crossed the river at this point being the lowest ford on what was at that time a tidal inlet. Harold had held the manor of Whatlington and evidence suggests that there was a chapel on the site of the present Church.
.
The Church and Churchyard are approached via a steep macadam path. Within the Churchyard there are informal grass paths but otherwise the ground tends to be uneven.
Several public footpaths pass close to the Church
1066 bus from/to Hastings via Battle approximately every 2 hrs stops at Mill Lane 100 m walk from Church
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
