About this Churchyard
All Saints’ Church, Warlingham, was built in 1250 AD with a small area of land around it for burials. Thanks to benefactors the ground was gradually extended to 2½ acres.
There is an ecological approach to the management of the churchyard which benefits wild animals including deer and foxes, many birds, insects and some reptiles. There are also many anthills. A team of volunteers and one contracted person tend the area. Some endangered species have been seen – stag beetle, the lesser spotted woodpecker and the wild fritillary.
There are many interesting trees including an ancient yew and five Cryptomeria Japonica Lobbii. Wild flowers appear in several parts of the churchyard and an area can be seen in the spring near the entrance to the churchyard. The best time to see the wild flowers is usually in May.
Several surveys have taken place identifying 55 species of birds, 40 species of lichen (on tombstones and walls of the church), 40 species of trees and shrubs and 142 species of wild flowers.
As this land is almost full for burials, an extension was made in 2018 to the north of the existing churchyard, which extends it to about 5 acres. This area is named Reynard’s Field acknowledging the donor. Both areas will continue to be tended in the same ecological manner.
A book, ‘Stories from the Churchyard’ is on sale at the church for £5. This does not cover the flora and fauna but includes information about interesting people buried in the churchyard including Sir Joseph Swan, inventor of the electric lamp.
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Wildlife haven
- Great for fungi
- Memorials with famous or infamous connections
- Birders paradise
- Stones with stories
- Lichen haven
- Good accessibility
All Saints’ Church
Church Road
Warlingham
Surrey
CR6 9NU
Visitor Information
The burial ground is always open.
The church is open at various times which can be seen at www.allsaintswarlingham.org.uk
Contact details
Please contact Marion Havard on 01883 622279 for further information.
Accessibility
There is level access to the burial ground with gravel paths.
Toilets
In the church vestry when the church is open. There is wheelchair access and baby changing facility. There are also public toilets a 7 minute walk from the church.
Seating
There are various wooden bench seats around the churchyard.
Parking & Transport
Croydon – Warlingham Bus 403 stops at Church Road bus stop, approximately 100 metres on level walk down Church Road.
Bus timetable
Southern Railway – Oxted line from Victoria, stops at Sanderstead Station (403 bus from outside the station) and Upper Warlingham Station (Southdown bus 411 and 409 stop outside the station) to Warlingham Green. (Church Road is approx. 25 metres from Warlingham Green.
Café
Several cafes open during the day – on Warlingham Green (approx. 125 metres from the church).
