Looking after the Churchyards in Marston and Lidlington
We strive to keep the churchyard a dignified, beautiful space that honours all who rest here, fostering Christian prayer, and reflection for everyone, administered fairly and safe to enjoy. The churchyard is also an ancient habitat for rare plants and animals.
“thank you to everyone who looks after our churchyards,
Revd Andrew Goodman
you make them a beautiful place of peace and reflection for us all”
How can I help?
We have a dedicated team of volunteers who mow the grass – why not volunteer? Call Revd Andrew Goodman
Look out for regular Tidy Up days – join the work party: good company and lunch provided!
Find out about looking after churchyards and conservation see: Caring for God’s Acre
Guidance & Regulations
Looking after a grave: FAQ
Help Us Maintain Our Sacred Churchyards
To keep our churchyards a peaceful and respectful space for everyone, we kindly ask you to follow these simple guidelines. Adhering to these rules helps avoid the disappointment of having work redone or items removed.
- Permitted Items: Please use only approved items as outlined in our Churchyard Guidelines.
- Non-Compliant Items: Any items that do not meet these guidelines may be carefully removed and stored safely for you to collect. If unclaimed after one year, these items will be respectfully disposed of.
We appreciate your cooperation in preserving the sanctity and beauty of our churchyards for all visitors and loved ones. If you have any questions, please contact us
Only fresh flowers in a vase of permitted stone are allowed.
Artificial flowers are discouraged but, if used, must reflect the season, remain clean, and pose no hazard (e.g., exposed wires).
Discoloured or spent flowers no longer honouring to loved ones must be removed.
Consider planting spring bulbs, small bedding plants, primulas, or pansies as a living memorial.
Only bulbs or annual flowers may be planted – no trees, shrubs or miniature conifers.
No lights, lanterns (including solar lights), or windmills are permitted—they may be removed to ensure safety and consistency
No grave surrounds or stone chippings—they’re unsafe for volunteers using lawnmowers and strimmers, and they affect the churchyard’s appearance.
Space is limited—place one stone container (not glass) of fresh flowers above or on the Memorial Plaque to keep the Garden neat for all and avoid ‘crowding’ other spaces, allowing room for mowing. Dead, discoloured, or unseasonal artificial flowers may be removed to maintain a tidy appearance.
To help keep our churchyards beautiful, respectful and orderly, please read the Guidance on Memorials and Burials and the Regulations – they are to ensure dignity and respect for the departed and they try to be fair to everyone.
When arranging for family members to be interred in the churchyard, bereaved relatives are agreeing to abide by the Diocesan regulations.
The regulations describe the types of memorial which are permitted and the materials which may be used.
A simple wooden cross marks a grave at the time of interment, and a small mound of earth will usually be left.
After about a year the grave should be levelled, and at that time you can apply to the Vicar for a memorial. The application form is usually completed by the Funeral Director.
The Farewell Flowers Directory connects you with independent florists who create arrangements that are natural, beautiful, and free of plastic or floral foam, offering a fresh, eco-friendly alternative to traditional options.
https://www.farewellflowers.co.uk
