Churchyards, cemeteries and the curtilage of other places of worship can be oases for wildlife in a bustling modern city. They are often a remnant of habitats long lost and can play an important role in conserving these habitats and the species that use them. They are places of tranquillity, reflection and sanctuary.
Many churchyards were often established on old meadows or pastures and are often quite rich in species now lost from other areas in the city or surrounding arable land. Even smaller sites can host some interesting species. Churchyards are often managed by traditional methods, such as cutting grassland, and may have escaped the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals. Other features such as trees and gravestones offer other habitats for species, such as songbirds or lichens. Churchyards in cities and towns can also offer other habitats that may be more reminiscent of a dense shrubby garden. These sites can be rich in wildlife and in particular songbirds and invertebrates. Some unusual habitats exist in churchyards that make them important for a number of unusual species, such as the range of lichens and mosses that can be seen on gravestones and walls.
Churchyards are often called God's Acre and people may be buried there. Even if the local authority is managing the churchyard, the people of the church will be concerned about the churchyard as it provides the setting for their work and worship. Christians will want to treasure, as much as they can, the wonder and diversity of God's creation. The Anglican Church has as its Fifth Mark of Mission the care of the creation. For more information on the role of the church in conservation, please contact the diocesan environment group or phone Nigel Cooper 0845 196 2398.
In Cambridge we have little understanding of the wildlife that can be found in the city's places of worship. The Cambridge Green Belt Project and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biological Records Centre have undertaken a survey across the city to find out what role our sites of worship play in providing a haven for wildlife. This has also been an opportunity to learn more about management at these sites and provide an opportunity for us to talk to site managers.
A churchyard can be managed sympathetically for wildlife whilst still retaining a well cared for attractive look for people using the area. Management should retain the setting of the church and an environment in keeping with the purpose of the churchyard. A well managed and thought out plan that incorporates these features and provides a haven for wildlife need not look untidy or wild. As a follow up to survey work we will be working with site managers to develop simple management plans that can incorporate small changes to management that can make big changes for wildlife, and often result in less labour in the churchyard.
Volunteers have been essential to the success of the survey. Although our surveying in Cambridge is now complete, you can still conduct a survey at your own church. If you are already involved in your church you will have a greater understanding of its use and how its grounds are managed.
For more information contact the Project Officer on 01954 713530. Find out how to help with the survey work.