Churchyards

Churchyards are important, not only to those whose loved ones might be buried there, but also in establishing the setting of the church and often providing a haven for wildlife. The monuments, structures and boundaries contained within and enclosing the churchyard are all subject to Faculty Jurisdiction and advice is available to those who are currently maintaining churchyards, or looking to make changes and additions. As of 1st January 2016 there is new national guidance available on maintaining trees within churchyards. This is available to download below, along with the new Churchyard Regulations and associated forms published in March 2016.

If you have any queries regarding churchyards or memorials please contact us.

Useful Links

Caring for God’s Acre – The conservation charity for churchyards and burial grounds. Lots of ideas and practical advice on looking after and making the most of your churchyard. www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/

Paradise Preserved – An Historic England guidance note on the conservation and management of cemeteries www.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/paradise-preserved/

Caring for Historic Graveyard and Cemetery Monuments – An Historic England guidance note on the conservation of memorials and monuments www.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/caring-historic-graveyard-cemetery-monuments/

Easy access to Historic Buildings – An Historic England guidance note on compliance with the Disability Descrimination Act (DDA) www.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/easy-access-to-historic-buildings/

Historic England have provided specific guidance on access audits for places of worship – www.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/access-audits-for-places-of-worship-detailed-guidance-2002-2005-closed-scheme/accessguidance.pdf/

Memorials by artists is a website which helps put people in contact with specialist craftsmen able to create well designed and individual memorials – www.memorialsbyartists.co.uk