About This Churchyard
The churchyard to the south supports an ancient hay meadow with plant species which may have persisted since at least Anglo Saxon times. The main conservation aim in this area has been to maintain it as a traditional species-rich hay meadow, in the same way it is thought to have been managed over many preceding centuries, with mowing at the end of June and an additional cut in late autumn or winter. This area has been managed by the local Blofield and District Conservation Group (BADCOG) since 1985.
The Bure Valley Conservation Group (BVCG) has undertaken cutting and raking in the northern churchyard area which, pre 1953, was farmland. The diversity of plants and wildlife there has substantially increased.
The Friends group has been instrumental in coordinating interest and practical working in the two churchyards both with the above conservation groups and parishioners/Friends of the church, in collaboration with Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Churchyard Conservation team.
A small team of volunteers has been surveying the churchyard regularly, recording and reporting the wildflowers and wildlife identified.
Although the records we hold only go back 35 years, they show that the southern churchyard area had been well and sympathetically managed for many generations and illustrate the richness and variety of wild plants that can thrive if given the opportunity.
Regular conservation measures over the intervening years, especially by BADCOG, offer a richness and diversity. The more recent efforts by BVCG and the Friends have shown an encouraging expansion in wildflowers in the northern churchyard.
A survey undertaken in 2020 showed a total of 208 species recorded including insects, birds, mammals and plants.
The surveys undertaken since 2016 together with the site management plan and a regular survey of the state of the poplar trees that mark the boundaries on the southern and western sides of the churchyard are readily available to interested visitors and displayed as part of the Churchyard Wildlife displays described above.
In 2018 the group was given the Churchyards and Cemeteries Community Biodiversity Award from the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership for the innovative way the Friends group had approached conservation of the churchyards, taking professional advice and working with others.
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Wildlife haven
- Memorials with famous or infamous connections
- Birders paradise
- Lichen haven
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Good accessibility
Address
All Saints Church,
Church Lane,
Hemblington
Norfolk
NR13 4EF
Opening times
The church was usually open every day between 10:00 – 17:00 hours. However opening times have been reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and it is now only open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 -17:00 hours. The churchyard is always accessible.
For the most up to date information visit http://www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk/
Contact details
All Saint’s Website
Accessibility
There are level surfaced paths to the church entrances and across the churchyard from the churchyard gate.
There are two benches with backs and arm rests in the churchyard.
A virtual tour of the churchyard and church are available on the church’s website http://www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk/.
Toilets
There is a level access wheelchair-accessible W.C. with baby changing facilities in the newly built north-west porch.
Public Transport
The nearest bus service runs to Blofield Heath, 2 miles away from the church to the west.
Parking
There is a small amount of roadside parking
Café
The surrounding villages of South Walsham, Blofield, Brundall and Little Plumstead all have pubs or cafes offering a range of food and drink.
More Information
All Saint’s Website
