This churchyard, though but a stone’s throw from the busy Norwich Road, is a wonderfully tranquil spot on the southern bank of the river Bure, and in May and June a real haven for wildflowers.
The churchyard has been sympathetically and successfully managed under the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Churchyard Conservation Scheme for around 25 years. From early May, the scarce meadow saxifrage is unusually abundant, until late June, when the conservation area transforms into stunning swathes of ox-eye Daisy and bright yellow common cat’s-ear. In between there are many other attractive grassland wildflowers, such as rich crimson sorrel, blue germander speedwell and (behind the church), the damp-loving cuckooflower.
The church is perched on quite a high prominence above the River Bure, and one can walk a few yards past the old Manor House to Caen Meadow, another delightful spot and right by the river. The churchyard contains an unusual and imposing mausoleum for the Trafford family. The church itself is quite small and plain for a Norfolk church, but with intriguing hidden carvings in the porch of its Norman south doorway, described by Pevsner as ‘barbaric and glorious’.
Best time to visit
The best time to see the wildflowers is spring to midsummer. The meadow saxifrage, germander speedwell, cuckoo flower and ox-eye daisies are best May-June, and the knapweed mid-late summer.
Getting involved
Contact the a member of the Parochial Church Council more details -
https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/contact/person/search?church_id=1301
Website
https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/Wroxham-St-Mary%27s-Church-Wroxham/details/?dms=3&venue=0289157