Churchyard

St Leonard’s Church has a delightful churchyard which is a sacred and peaceful place, still open for burials. It is a space for remembrance, prayer, and reflection, but also a living landscape that reflects our care for creation.

Volunteer-Led Care

Our churchyard is looked relies on volunteers to keep it looking tidy. If you would like to join a team please contact us at office@copthornechurch.org.

Regulations and Guidance for Graves

As part of the Diocese of Chichester, the care and management of graves and memorials in our churchyard are guided by the Chancellor’s Churchyard Regulations. These rules help to preserve the peaceful and respectful atmosphere of the churchyard and ensure that all memorials are in keeping with its rural and spiritual setting.

Key points include:

• Only certain types of headstones and materials are permitted without special permission (a "faculty").
• Any planting or decoration around a grave must be modest and in harmony with the natural surroundings.
• Items such as artificial flowers, plastic ornaments, and unauthorized kerbing are discouraged in order to maintain the dignity and environmental integrity of the site.

A full copy of the Chancellor’s Directive is available on the Diocese of Chichester website or from the church office. If you have any questions about what is or isn’t permitted, we are always happy to help guide you.