Heene Cemetery (disused)

St. Michael's Graveyard,
Manor Road (corner of St. Michael's Road),
Worthing,
West Sussex

About Heene Cemetery

Light conservation work is carried out which includes wildflower management, coppicing and tree planting. The cemetery, having been open since 1873, was closed for burials by an Act of Parliament after having been open for more than a hundred years. There are many clerics buried here, including the Bishop of Borneo, and there are four graves tended by the War Graves Commission.

Designated a Sussex Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), the graveyard is an oasis for wildlife in the town centre. An abundance of grasses and herbs more usually associated with unimproved old meadows can be seen during the summer. A complete botanical survey is carried out through the summer months, and visits are made to record bird and invertebrate species.

Flora and Fauna

In spring there are Primroses in abundance, and wildlife including butterflies like comma, and small tortoiseshell. Later there is a profusion of bird's foot trefoil to support the common blue butterflies that abound. Other species recorded include red admiral, painted lady, holly blue, clouded yellow, both large and small white, gatekeeper, and peacock.

A wide variety of trees in the cemetery have been kept to support the bird population that includes blue tit, great tit, green finch, chiffchaff, robin, blackbird, thrush, jay, and dunnock. Occasionally a sparrowhawk can be seen above the site.

See also:

• Other disused burial grounds in Adur and Worthing

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The Friends of Heene Cemetery

The Friends of Heene Cemetery (St. Michael's Graveyard) was formed in November 2014.

Throughout the year a working party meets most Saturdays, weather permitting, in Heene Cemetery to carry out clearance work around the graves, and to control the increase of tree species and brambles encroaching on the cemetery.

The work of the group is supported by Adur & Worthing Councils' Parks and Foreshore Section, and Park Rangers attend the working parties providing tools and operating machinery which makes the initial clearance work much easier.

Future plans for the cemetery include planting fruit trees and installing bee hives.

Please check the 'news and events' page on the Friends of Heene Cemetery website to see when working party and tours will be happening:

• Friends of Heene Cemetery website

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