We are committed to care for the grounds around Lichfield Cathedral in ways which give glory to God and contribute to the wellbeing of all.
We hope that all who visit have the opportunity to encounter the beauty of the natural world and experience a sense of peace and tranquillity. The Cathedral building is open to the general public every day (see here for opening times), where further information about the grounds is available.
Explore the green spaces around The Close on this interactive map
Lichfield Cathedral is a Partner in Action with A Rocha UK, taking action to improve biodiversity, address climate change and make a real difference to nature restoration in the UK. We recognise the significance of the land around us and are committed to work together with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and other local groups
The Garden of St Mary & St Chad
The garden consists of the three flower beds which border the grass in front of the Cathedral and the plants are named so that you can recognise them.
Lichfield Cathedral is under the patronage of both St Mary, the Mother of Jesus and St Chad, first Bishop of Lichfield. By establishing a garden in their honour, we can learn more about their stories and also remember the generations of pilgrims who have visited this site over the last 1300 years.
In Mediaeval times, a garden could have a symbolic and spiritual dimension. Find out more by visiting the garden through the seasons. You can pick up a leaflet on some of the plants in the garden, or download one here.
Grassland
The ancient grassland around the Cathedral is a great asset. It hasn’t been ploughed, nor subjected to pesticides nor fertilisers. With advice from Caring for God’s Acre, we manage the grass in a way which maximises biodiversity whilst giving good access. The grass to the north and east of the Cathedral is cut monthly to a medium height. The grass to the south of the Cathedral is kept as a meadow, allowing flowers to flourish and establish themselves before the grass will be scythed in early July. We are grateful to the year 7 Forest School class of Lichfield Cathedral School who raked the ground to sow extra wildflower seed.
Wildflower seeds were sown for the following varieties:
Yarrow Achillea millefolium, Lesser knapweed - Centaurea nigra, Wild Carrot Daucus carota, Ladys Bedstraw Galium verum, Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, Oxeye daisy - Leucanthemum vulgare, Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata, Cowslip - Primula veris, Self heal - Prunella vulgaris, Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris, Yellow rattle Yellow Rattle, Common sorrel - Rumex acetosa
Salad Burnet, White campion - Silene latifolia, Red campion - Silene dioica, Crested dogstail - Cynosurus Cristatus, Common Bent Agrostis capillaris, Hard Fescue Festuca Trachyphylla, Slender Creeping Red Fescue Festuca Rubra ssp litoralis, Strong Creeping Red Fescue Festuca rubra ssp. rubra, Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
Gardens
Around the precincts are several garden areas maintained by a group of volunteers. Throughout the year, these areas provide examples of beauty.
Churches Count on Nature 2023
In June each year, Forest School classes, assisted by volunteers, undertake a survey of the species found around the cathedral grounds. This data, once verified, is recorded on the National Burial Ground register. Members of the public are welcome at any time to use the app iNaturalist to photo, identify and submit information about the flora and fauna around the grounds.
Going for Gold
In September 2022, the Cathedral gained its Silver Eco Church award and is now going for Gold. This entails addressing environmental responsibility in our worship and teaching, in our management of our buildings and our land, in community and global engagement and in our lifestyle choices.
ECO Beekeeping
Meet The Revd Canon Dr David Primrose, former Canon Treasurer at Lichfield Cathedral and hear about how beekeeping is caring for God's planet...