About this churchyard
Tucked away between the Villages of Wymondham and Mulbarton this churchyard is entirely managed for wildlife. Visit the churchyard in June/July to catch the pyramidal orchids in bloom.
Also present in season is common knapweed, cowslip, dog violet, field scabious, goat’s-beard, greater stitchwort, germander speedwell, lady’s bedstraw, meadow vetchling, ox-eye daisy, perforate St John’s wort, self-heal, shining cranesbill, sorrel, yellow rattle, tufted vetch, wild daffodil, zigzag clover and a range of fine grasses.
The churchyard is mown once in late summer followed by the removal of all herbage. This allows the grasses and wildflowers to grow and set seed as well as maintaining the low nutrient level in the soil, in which most wildflowers prosper.
Native hedgerows surround the churchyard and mature holly, yew and small-leaved lime are also present. The diversity of plants and sensitive management make the churchyard a haven for insects and home to small mammals such as field voles and such larger creatures as foxes and muntjac. The annual bat survey normally finds eight species passing through the churchyard. A wide variety of birds may be seen by the careful observer, a ‘signature’ species being barn owl, which has become prevalent in the area as surrounding farmland has been ecologically managed.
A narrow meandering swathe is cut through the grass throughout the year. This makes it easy for visitors to wander and see the rich plant and insect life close up. During spring and summer, wondering as well as wandering is aided by a small number of discreet boards displaying photos and appropriate quotations. There is also an NWT-designed interpretation board carrying information about the churchyard and its management for biodiversity.
Wymondham Nature Group supports the church in the management of the site with advice and with muscle-power and equipment at mowing time. It was the leading churchyard in the 2014 Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards.
See below on how to get involved.
http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/support-us/local-groups/wymondham-nature-group
Hethel churchyard species list 2017
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wildlife haven
- Memorials with famous or infamous connections
- Stones with stories
- Sundial
- Birders paradise
- Lichen haven
- Good accessibility
All Saints Church, Church Lane
Hethel, Norwich, NR14 8HE
Visitor Information
Opening Times
The Churchyard is permanently open. The church is usually open but check on A Church Near You .
Contact details
Please visit the church website.
Accessibility
The churchyard is level with a surfaced path from the gate to the church entrance.
Toilets
There is an accessible toilet in the church with baby changing facilities.
Seating
There are benches in the churchyard.
Parking & Transport
There is parking for approximately 4 cars just beyond the church at the side of the single-track road.
The Purple Line Bus from Norwich stops at Cuckoofield Lane, Bracon Ash, about 1.2 miles away.
Café
There are several cafes and pubs in Wymondham (15 mins drive)
