This large and botanically rich churchyard has been managed under the Norfolk Wildlife Trust churchyard conservation scheme for around 30 years. It was the subject of an English Heritage video ‘God’s Acre’ in 1993 and has been used for numerous conferences, guided walks and workshops ever since. Sympathetic management of the churchyard meadow continues every year in order to conserve and encourage the diversity of wild flowers found there.
Visiting for the wildflowers in spring offers a beautiful meadow display of dainty white meadow saxifrage, bright yellow bulbous buttercup and blue and germander speedwell. In June there are swathes of oxeye daisy and the yellow frothy-flowered Lady’s bedstraw. A particularly special botanical feature is a spindle bush by the tower which unusually has grown into a substantial tree.
The church itself was much rebuilt in 1879 and is perhaps most notable for a south aisle window of Morris glass, designed by Burne-Jones. The churchyard is situated on the south side of the River Bure and a little gate in the northwest corner of the yard leads to pleasant short walk to Church Farm, taking in extensive reed beds en-route. Visitors can walk round to the bridge on the Norwich road and from there take a longer and beautiful walk on the Coltishall side of the river.
Best time to visit
The best time to see the wildflowers is spring to midsummer. The meadow saxifrage, germander speedwell and ox-eye daisies are best May-June, the Lady’s bedstraw in July and the spindle tree May – June.
Associated groups
See
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/horstead-all-saints
Getting involved
To find out how you can get involved in the churchyard management contact the church warden
https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/contact/person/search?church_id=955
Website
http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/horstead/horstead.htm