Churchyards are important spaces of remembrance, heritage, and community. Whether open or closed, they require careful maintenance and proper permissions for any changes.
Please refer to the current Churchyard Regulations 2025 for key responsibilities and guidance on topics like memorials, grave reservations, tree works, and record-keeping. Please note the following changes which came into effect with the 2025 guidance.
Changes to regulations 2025
Churchyard Management
1. PCC responsibilities extend to the management of flowers and items placed on graves.
Churchyard Rules - Part I
1. Powers extended to include Team Vicars
2. Removal of Archdeacon’s powers
6. Existence of monuments not setting a precedent – New
7. Monument erected otherwise than in accordance with the rules – New
Appendix
1. (a-c) Changes to the dimensions permitted for height and width and introduction of a thickness for slate memorials – New
1. (d) Shape of upper edge of memorial – New
1. (e) Foundations – New
1. (f) Commonwealth War Graves – New
2. (a) Changes to the height of crosses permitted
6. Natural stones specified – New
10. The colour silver no longer included
11. Rules for inscriptions and motifs – New
12. Height for Mason’s mark changed
13. QR codes not allowed - New
Want to find out how you can care for creation and improve biodiversity in your churchyard? Visit our environment section section for lots of helpful advice and guidance.