churchyard notice

Dear All,

Churchyards are consecrated ground; they are set aside for burials and are places

for quiet contemplation and remembrance.

We know how deeply important it is to have a fitting and personal memorial for a

loved one. Grieving is hard enough without having to navigate what can feel like

complicated rules about what is and isn’t allowed in a churchyard.

The regulations that apply to churchyards, such as ours at All Saints, Milford on Sea,

are not optional guidelines. They are not set locally but are part of English law,

known as ecclesiastical law, and carry the same legal weight as planning

regulations.

Just like you need planning permission to build an extension, you need official

permission (called a faculty) for anything outside the standard rules in a consecrated

churchyard. This law protects both individuals and the wider community-ensuring

fairness, dignity, and the long-term care of these special places.

We appreciate the love and care many put into tending the graves of loved ones and

the upset it can cause when as a church we ask families to remove items which

aren’t allowed - ornaments, lights, artificial flowers, or pot plants. It is not our

intention to be uncaring or unnecessarily interfering. It is part of our responsibility,

both as a parish and as a vicar, to ensure the law is upheld consistently and

respectfully, even when it’s difficult. We also need to keep the area as safe as

possible for our volunteers who mow the grass.

In many cases, these rules have been overlooked in the past, sometimes for pastoral

reasons or simply due to capacity. The guidelines have recently been updated

(October 2025) and we are due an inspection from the Diocese, so we are beginning

the process of adhering to the regulations. We are truly sorry for any distress and are

doing our best to act compassionately and fairly, and to give people time to adjust or

discuss their situation with us.

In exceptional circumstances (such as a burial of a child or young adult) special

arrangements for items around a grave may be permitted by agreement, on a

temporary basis for a period of time, usually no more than a year. A faculty can be

applied for from the Chancellor, when a memorial application ie: for a headstone,

doesn’t comply with the regulations, but not generally for prohibited items.

As a church, we will continue to care for those who mourn, and we want the

churchyard to be a safe place of peace, memory, and dignity for all. We’re working to

apply the same rules for everyone-gently, fairly, and with pastoral care.

If you’d like to talk more about your particular situation, please email 

office@allsaintsmilford.org.uk, one of the ministry or pastoral team would be very

happy to listen, pray with you, or help you understand what’s possible.

Blessings from,

Vicar and Churchwardens

All Saints Church

Milford on Sea