Church grounds for wildlife

Churchyards which are appropriately managed can provide a haven for wildlife. Many churchyards are surviving fragments of meadow unaffected by modern management regimes and serve as island refuges for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bees, hedgehogs and slow-worms to name a few. Churchyards are also particularly noted for the wide variety of mosses and lichens which can be found on old stonework.

Here are a few ideas to make your churchyard a wildlife haven: The establishment of a suitable mowing and hedge-trimming regime Adding a few untidy corners, log piles, provision of artificial habitats such as nestboxes and bug hotels Not using pesticides and artificial fertilisers will all benefit wildlife. Managing the churchyard and recording what’s living there is something that the whole community can get involved in.

Contact

Please do email the Diocesan Environment Officer for more information.

To receive regular updates please follow the Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Environment group on Facebook.