Community scheme renovates Norfolk churchyard

An overgrown churchyard north of Norwich has been greatly improved by a Community Payback scheme run by the Probation service.

St Peter’s Church in Crostwick, near Spixworth, is the first to benefit from the new partnership between the Diocese of Norwich and the Probation Service’s Community Payback scheme, with several other churches set to receive maintenance assistance in 2026.
 
Many churches can find it difficult to secure reliable, affordable maintenance and gardening services, as the cost of equipment and labour can be prohibitive.  However, the benefits of this initiative are by no means solely for the church, with opportunities to improve the look of public spaces while working in the open air valued highly by Community Payback.
 
Paul Appleyard, PCO for the East of England Probation Service, was instrumental in establishing the partnership and believes the benefits to this type of arrangement can be wide-ranging. He 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.”
 
Nicola Lewis, Church Buildings Support Officer for the Diocese of Norwich, said:
 
“The churchyard at Crostwick had become dangerously overgrown and it wasn’t possible for the local people to look after it. But, thanks to Community Payback, 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.”
 
This story is based on an article published by the Diocese of Norwich. The photos are courtesy of the Diocese.

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