Conservation Advice

The churchyard or burial ground is the most sacred and usually the oldest enclosure in any parish. Some churchyards may be of pre-christian origin having existed even before the church was built. Ancient burial grounds may date back even further.

The monuments and memorials are a record of over 300 years or more, documenting the lives of people who once lived and worked in the parish.

There may be ancient churchyard crosses, old sundials, lychgates and pagan sculpture. Ancient grassland and yew trees, possibly the oldest living things in Britain, add to the fascination and atmosphere of these places.

Lichens growing on the stonework, mosses and delicate ferns, birds and butterflies all add a mosaic of colour and sound to the churchyard creating the wonderful web of plant and animal life.

Here you will find information to inspire and help you with your own projects.