Our centuries old church yard in the heart of Old Felixstowe is to begin a new season of growth with plans to manage and develop it to ensure it remains a welcoming and environmentally friendly space. 

St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Old Felixstowe can trace its roots back over 800 years, but the churchyard is being developed and managed with the guidance of experts.

“We asked the professionals at Caring For God’s Acre to help us make a plan to manage the churchyard and ensure it is kept it at the heart of this community“ said Rev Chris Hood, Vicar at the church.

"Churchyards are true havens for wildlife, containing species which were once much more common" said Harriet Carty, Director of God’s Acre, a charity specialising in working with churchyards. “Conservation management is about active management… we have drawn up a plan appropriate to St Peter and St Pauls Church that is realistic for their resources, and will be welcomed and valued by the community.”

Managing the grass areas, making the paths more accessible, attracting wildlife, helping the environment, and encouraging new species are all important steps.

As part of this project the church will also be undertaking work on the thirty-year-old Garden Of Remembrance to make it easier to maintain, and meet the future needs of the Parish.

We would like to warmly invite you to attend one of two meetings at the church where we can present these plans:
Sunday November 10th at 4.00 pm, or Thursday November 14th at 6.30 pm

We expect that work will commence in the Garden Of Remembrance on Monday January 6th 2025 (subject to the weather) and estimate it will take three weeks. During that time, for safety reasons, the Garden Of Remembrance will be closed to all visitors.

“In the wider churchyard we would love people to get involved and help us bring these plans to life, there are some wonderful gardeners in Old Felixstowe, and we would welcome anyone who would like to join in the work in the churchyard – you don’t need green fingers, just willing hands.“

Our team of parish volunteer gardeners meet in the churchyard at 9.30 am on alternate Thursday mornings to bring the plans to life  - Chris and the team hope to see you there.

For more information simply email the church office.