The CBC has been working with several dioceses and a number of national partners including Historic England, the University of York and Atlantic Geomatics to develop the software and survey methodology to create digital plans of our churchyards and cemeteries (and everything within them, including buildings) which is compatible with the Church Heritage Record and Online Faculty System.

This would allow parishes to better manage their churchyards and if they wish their buildings, with a live online record which they can use and update. The offer has a cost depending on several factors, but we are working on reducing this to a minimum, or nothing for the initial survey; obviously critical mass is the key in this regard. Having an accurate plan is also useful for attracting visitors and interest in the memorials and ecology of a churchyard.

If you are interested in this project, tentatively called the Burial Grounds of England Survey, then please put in your diaries the following dates, when we will be holding free launch events. These will be held at London Waterloo St John, 13th June, and York St Michael-le-Belfry, 23rd June, both from 10-16.00, sandwich lunch and refreshments provided. Contact Joseph Elders at joseph.elders@churchofengland.org if you wish to register or know more.