Why are churchyards special?
Churchyards have unique qualities as:
- An extension of the church’s witness to God and his promise of eternal life through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. What is put in churchyards therefore needs to be consistent with the spiritual values of the Christian faith. - Historical places. The clergy are stewards of a very long heritage which needs to be
preserved and passed on to the next generation. - Shared spaces. Here the differing tastes and traditions of many families need to be kept in
harmony with each other, so that discord and conflict can hopefully be avoided.
Memorials / Churchyard regulations
While the Chancellor has jurisdiction over churchyards, parish priests have delegated power to authorise memorial stones conforming to the diocesan Churchyard Regulations. Each Diocese has its own Regulations. More information regarding burials, cremated remains and memorials can be found in the Churchyard Regulations. Churchyards have an important role in enabling the local church to support bereaved families.
Churchyard Management Resources
Resources from churchyard management training sessions are available here.
Options for additional burial space
Information on providing additional burial space can be found in the DAC advice leaflets on Churchyards.
Churchyard Maintenance
Information on churchyard maintenance can be found in the DAC advice leaflets on Churchyards and in the Churchyard Regulations. The Church of England has guidance on how to care for your trees and permissions needed for works to the trees.
Churchyards and wildlife – the Living Churchyards
The Living Churchyard Project aims to help churches manage their churchyards in a wildlife-friendly way, while being sensitive to the needs of all churchyard users, paying particular heed to the primary function as a resting place for the dead and a contemplative place for friends and relatives of those buried there.
Judith Evans promotes the Project within the Diocese and is able to provide sources of reference, guidance and advice, and in some cases, practical help through partner organisations.
Management Plans
There are examples of other Churchyard’s management plans available as a guide. You can also find leaflets offering advice from Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust and Herts and Middlesex.
Lichen Library
A lichen survey has been made of many churches within the diocese by expert volunteers with a passion for the subject. You can view the Lichen Library here.
Wildlife in church and churchyard: Plants, animals and their management. 2nd edition. Cooper, N. (2001) – Church House Publishing
