The Gardening Team: Nurturing the Beauty of Lichfield Cathedral Close

At Lichfield Cathedral, our historic grounds are not just a stunning backdrop—they're living, breathing gardens lovingly cared for by a dedicated team of volunteer gardeners. This green-fingered team work hard to create a beautiful and tranquil space for visitors and wildlife alike. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on their efforts and invite you to join our team in nurturing this sacred space.

One of our dedicated volunteers, Marion Standing, has been gardening with us for four years. When asked how she became involved, Marion reflected, "When I moved to Lichfield nine years ago, I already knew the joy and satisfaction that gardening brings, but I had never been part of a team that looked after such a varied and challenging area!"

Drawn by the opportunity to contribute to a broader vision—transforming the Cathedral Close into an eco-friendly sanctuary—Marion answered the call for volunteers. Like Marion, many of our volunteers began with a love of gardening but have since grown a deep connection to the history and heritage of the Close.

Thanks to the work of volunteers, the Cathedral Close now offers an array of beautiful gardens to explore. “There are clearly defined areas planted with traditional cottage garden flowers,” Marion explains, “while the Garden of St Mary and St Chad features historic herbs and flowers reflecting the stories of our two patron saints.”

More recently, the team has helped to develop a Seasonal Meadow of wildflowers and grasses that attract pollinators and wildlife. The Dean’s Walk, a shady 17th-century pathway, has also been reopened and is now accessible to everyone, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Marion is proud to share, “This aspect of inclusion has been an important part of our planning right from the start.”

One of the unexpected joys of being a volunteer gardener at Lichfield Cathedral is connecting with the people who visit. Marion shares, “Some passers-by tell us how much they enjoy the flowers that bloom from early spring through to autumn. Others are fascinated by the history of the Cathedral and love to hear that they are part of the continuous stream of pilgrims over centuries past.”

As the seasons change, so do the gardens—and the team’s activities. One highlight of the year is preparing for the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ scheme. The scheme motivates the team to keep every corner of the Close looking its best, and Marion points out that this is when teamwork really shines.

Why You Should Join Us

Marion captures the spirit of the team when she says, “Leaving the busy world behind, hearing the bells strike the hours, listening to the birds overhead, and above all, feeling part of the history of this remarkable and holy place—these are my favourite moments when I’m gardening.” If you’re someone who enjoys working in nature and would like to make a meaningful contribution to this historic space, we’d love to welcome you.

Gardening times are flexible, and our planning meetings are informal and friendly. If you have some gardening experience, or simply a passion for making things grow, we encourage you to get involved.

Together, we can continue to create grounds that reflect the history, community, and natural beauty of Lichfield Cathedral.

How to Get Involved

For more information on how to become a volunteer with the Gardening team, click here or contact us volunteers@lichfield-cathedral.org.