About this churchyard
The parish church of St Martin’s church dates from the 12th Century, it stands on a slight rise off the Lewes Road. The walls are flint, plastered in part, with sandstone dressings; the roofs have tiles on the north and chiefly Horsham slates on the south.
It has an area of neutral grassland to the north with a tall but varying structure, containing abundant False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolate) and Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis).
Although considered to be Arrhenatherum neutral grassland given the abundance of False Oat-grass, the sward is fairly species diverse with a high proportion of herbs which included a number of species characteristic of lowland meadow grassland such as Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum).
The churchyard is scattered with Yew trees (Taxus baccata) and other broadleaved species.
In the spring there are daffodils, primroses, cowslips and other spring bulbs. Spring and early summer is best.
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Wildlife haven
- Churchyard cross
- Lichen haven
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Lovely lychgate
- Good accessibility
Visitor Information
? Main paths are brick, with grass paths in the south churchyard.
? Roadside Parking on Lewes road opposite the church.
Address
St Martin’s Church, Lewes Road, Westmeston, Sussex. BN6 8RJ
Opening Times
The church itself is open during the day but the graveyard is accessible at all times.
Contact details
Churchwarden details are on the parish website www.beaconparish.co.uk
Accessibility
Main paths are brick, with grass paths in the south churchyard.
Toilets
Nearest toilets are in Ditchling over a mile away.
Seating
There are wooden benches in the burial ground, with back and armrest.
Parking & transport
Roadside Parking on Lewes road opposite the church.
There is a bus service but it is infrequent.
Cafe
There is a cafe and a couple of pubs in Ditchling.
