Carhampton – St John the Baptist Church
About this Churchyard
Large churchyard of “unimproved grassland”. This churchyard is species rich with over 80 different species of wildflowers recorded over the year. It has managed to retain unimproved grassland by mowing with grassbox, strimmings are then raked or picked up, so grass leavings do not form a fertilising mulch.
In the spring Primroses, Ground ivy, Self heal, Dog violets, and few wild Daffodils are out. In early summer Buttercups and lots of White clover are seen. Mid summer you can see Yellow cat’s ear and Purple clover, Plantain, Birds- foot- trefoil, Cow parsley, and Moon daisies. Late summer there are Moon daisies, Yarrow, grasses allowed to grow, and Hog weed. Early autumn there is Yarrow, Knapweed, and Moon daisies. Then in late autumn there are rare wax caps fungi (8 different species spotted).
Butterflies come to specific flowers and grasses to feed mate and lay eggs. Last summer there were many butterflies spotted in the churchyard.
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wildlife haven
- Good accessibility
- Churchyard cross
- Great for fungi
- Birders paradise
St John the Baptist Church
Church Lane
Carhampton
TA24 6NT
Opening Times
The burial ground is always open and the church is open normally during the day
Contact Details
Emily Feldberg [email protected]
Tel 01643 821756
Accessibility
There is a level access tarmac public path through the churchyard (Wheelchair friendly). The rest of the churchyard has grassland paths with some steps
Interpretation and Seating
Carhampton Heritage Centre (200 yds away) is open on Tuesday afternoons March to October.
There are two good seats within the churchyard
Toilets
The nearest toilets are at Dunsters Steep Carpark (2 miles)
Parking & Transport
There is parking in the Recreation ground which is next to the ex village shop 300yards away, can pay using the donation box. There is also parking round the back of the church. This can be located by taking the turn to Blue Anchor then turn left at first bend along no through road. Little bit of church parking created by new houses.
Bus stop on main road 200 yds from churchyard. Buses twice an hour from Taunton, opposite side of road from Minehead
Café
There are multiple cafes in Dunster and Minehead down the road. On Thursday afternoons there is a pop up café in Carhampton Recreation Hall with post office 2-3.30.