UNIQUE SPACES
Caring for God’s Acre works nationally
to support groups and individuals to
investigate and care for burial grounds
There are over 25,000 of these unique sites across the UK,
ranging from small rural medieval churchyards to
large Victorian city cemeteries,
spanning different cultures, religions and centuries
Appealing to many who are interested in local history and the natural world, burial grounds encapsulate
the history of communities whilst offering refuge for our native wildlife
Join the Movement
Let’s keep burial grounds beautiful, accessible and connected to their communities
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Latest Blog Posts
- Article on Caring for God’s Acre in the Guardian Christmas 2024
Over Christmas we were delighted that the Guardian printed an article about the value of churchyards as “vital havens for rare wildlife including dormice, bats and beetles”. The article, by environment reporter Helena Horton, focused on Caring for God’s Acre’s partnerships with the National Biodiversity Network and many other conservation organisations. As well as specialist recorders identifying rarities the article highlighted the massively valuable records submitted by the 30,000 or so people who have visited their… Read more: Article on Caring for God’s Acre in the Guardian Christmas 2024 - Ivy and Churchyard Yew Trees
Churchyards have been termed a Noah’s Ark for old, veteran and ancient yews. A valuable refuge that over the years have provided a sanctuary for this historic and culturally significant tree. But there could be a threat to their long-term survival: ivy. The biodiversity value that ivy in trees provides to all sorts of wildlife is undisputed. From a nectar supply for bees and hoverflies to fruits and nesting habitats for a range of birds. However,… Read more: Ivy and Churchyard Yew Trees - M is for Memorials
Some of the oldest and most impressive monuments, from the pyramids at Giza to the passage grave at Newgrange in Ireland, are memorials for the dead. The humblest headstone in a country churchyard is part of a human impulse to immortalise those we have loved and lost which can be seen throughout time, all over the world. A wander through any burial ground is a stroll through the past of that community, like stepping between the… Read more: M is for Memorials