About this Churchyard
The churchyard at St Peters dates back to the medieval era, when in 1340 the monks of Sibton Abbey built a church. The site may have been home to a wooden church before this and a 3000 year old burial urn has also been found here. Largely undisturbed, wildflowers have flourished in the churchyard.
Between 1981 and 2009 the late Joan Westcott guided the management of the churchyard and recorded the many species of flora found at St Peters. Her work continues to this day by interested volunteers.
The light soils mean that lady’s bedstraw and mouse-ear hawkweed thrive and later in the summer knapweed and harebells (some white) appear. The many flowers support a wide range of invertebrates.
Each summer at the end of July for the last 50 years sees a wildflower festival, where people are on hand to guide visitors around the churchyard, bug hunts and moth surveys are carried out and displays of wildflowers are exhibited in the church.
The areas around modern graves are regularly mown but a large proportion of the churchyard is allowed to grow freely then cut and raked in autumn by a strong team from the local community.
Species List 2022
Link to species recorded on the National Biodiversity Database Burial Ground Portal
Key Features
- Wildflower area
- Wildlife haven
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
The Street,
Westleton,
Saxmundham
Suffolk
IP17 3AG
Visitor Information
Open every day
Contact details
Please visit the church website.
Accessibility
There is a wide level gravel path through the church yard.
Toilets
There is an accessible toilet down a small step into the church.
Seating
There is a bench near the church door.
Parking & Transport
Disabled parking is available beyond the church door. Plenty of on street parking in the village.
Café
The Snug tearoom and the Westleton Crown are just over the road from the churchyard, the village hall also has coffee on weekday mornings.
