Churchyard Extension

For centuries, our beautiful Heslington churchyard has been a peaceful final resting place for generations of parishioners. Sadly, space is now critically limited, and there is room for only three more coffin burials and five ashes interments.

Thanks to the generosity of the University of York, we have a rare opportunity to extend the churchyard by acquiring part of Dean’s Acre for just £1. To make this vision a reality, however, we urgently need to raise £14,000 to cover essential costs: legal fees, hedging, a wire fence, a pedestrian gate, and a carefully crafted opening in the existing wall.

Your donations will allow anyone who lives in the ecclesiastical parish (including Badger Hill, Newland Park and Windmill Lane) to be buried in the heart of our village. Our churchyard is the only place in Heslington and the surrounding area where generations have been laid to rest, preserving the sacred continuity of our community’s heritage.

It has taken over two and a half years and £13,000 to get planning permission. Now we need help to complete the project. We want to create a wildlife-friendly area, with mixed species of hedges, that will also provide a transquil space for the whole community. We won't be cutting down any trees.

If the donations exceed the target, any money left over will be used to offset the payments already made and then added to the ring-fenced churchyard fund to pay to maintain the churchyard.