What can be done?
In 2010 the idea of Heavenly Gardens was put forward to an international forum, Liveable Communities, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP. At a conference in Chicago, the idea won a Special Project Award and it was hoped that it would be encouraged locally.
In 2013 the Norwich Society carried out a survey of the churchyards which confirmed that although many of them were in good condition, much more could be done to make use of this valuable resource.
In 2014, the Heavenly Gardens project was awarded a grant by the Town Close Estate Charity to explore the possibilities of renovating the churchyards and making more use of them.In 2015, using the Town Close grant, this website was created and a series of exhibition boards were produced to publicise our aims and aspirations. St Margarets churchyard was designated as a medieval garden and replanted using only plants available before 1500.
In 2016 the first 2 (Heaven’s Gate and Mancroft) of a series of 6 leaflets were produced, which guide walkers on botanical trails linking 12 of the medieval churchyards. When complete this series of leaflets will link all 31 churches. Further work was carried out at St Margarets with the installation of a rose arch at the entrance. Work commenced at All Saints churchyard with planting on an international theme.
