CHURCHYARDS in Norfolk are being transformed through Community Payback, a partnership between the diocese and probation services.

The first church to benefit is St Peter’s, Crostwick, which is under the care of the Diocese of Norwich Churches Trust, which holds the legal responsibility for some churches and enables them to hold occasional services.

The churchyard had become very overgrown, and graves were hidden from view. The diocesan church-buildings support officer, Nicola Lewis, said: “The churchyard at Crostwick had become dangerously overgrown, and it wasn’t possible for the local people to look after it. Community Payback stepped in.

“Thanks to this scheme run by the Probation Service in Norfolk, the churchyard has been transformed from a bracken-covered ‘field’ to a safe and tidy place for families and visitors to come. We are very grateful and look forward to expanding the scheme in 2026.”

Other churches have signed up to the Community Payback scheme independently. A licensed lay minister in Salhouse, James Watts, said that it “truly is a win-win-win for everyone, for the community, which sees the wonderful benefit of churchyard management, for those on the scheme who want to feel they’re making a positive difference, and for the churchwarden dealing with the thorny issue of managing an ancient churchyard with biodiversity”.

The parish of Redenhall with Harleston has also signed up to the scheme, and saved the PCC more than £4000 in maintenance.

The Probation Service said that those taking part in the work had found it enjoyable and rewarding. Paul Appleyard, of the East of England Probation Services, said: “For us, these projects are about more than just maintenance: they help preserve the heritage of our churches while creating spaces that encourage biodiversity and protect local wildlife. It’s a great example of how collaboration benefits both the community and the environment.

“I have always found that people on probation engage very positively with the work we do in churches. They understand that they are completing valuable, worthwhile tasks for the local community while also supporting local flora and fauna through the environmental improvements we make in churchyards across the county.”

More churches are expected to benefit from the scheme next year, although numbers will be determined by the Community Payback team’s capacity.