Churchyards and other land surrounding places of worship serve a number of important functions. Many are active burial grounds but they are also meeting places for the congregation and spaces for quiet reflection. Churchyards also make an important contribution to wildlife, archaeology and the local landscape. Built structures within the church grounds are often listed alongside a church itself, and you should seek advice before carrying out any work.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Sacred Spaces project helps congregations and communities monitor and enhance the wildlife found in the grounds of places of worship.

A wider range of funding opportunities may be available for work in church grounds than for work to church buildings themselves, and it is worth bearing this in mind when developing a fundraising strategy.  Cumbria Wildlife Trust have produced a guide to funding sources for projects in church grounds which you can access online.

Advice for congregations regarding the management of church grounds can be obtained from Church Care.