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 For
several years we have taken part in the Living Churchyards project. This
is a nationwide scheme but in Dorset it is organised by Dorset Wildlife
Trust. Its purpose is to encourage a variety of wildlife. Modern farming
practices can lead to loss of habitats and churchyards can provide
havens for flora and fauna that used to thrive in woodlands, hedgerows
and field headlands.
For this reason there are areas in the churchyard
that are not neatly mown or trimmed back. Allowing nature free rein in
some areas is a way of providing food and shelter for many creatures.
However this needs to be managed if a total wilderness is to be avoided.
Two small beds beside the church have been planted
with nectar rich garden flowers to encourage butterflies. Stinging
nettles are left as they feed the caterpillars of red admiral, peacock
and small tortoiseshell butterflies. Beneath a big yew tree there is a
log pile which provides shelter for invertebrates and small mammals. The
warmth of the compost heap is liked by slow worms.
We have established areas where wild flowers are
abundant in spring and early summer. We are trying to establish a small
wild flower meadow in the newer part of the graveyard hopefully for
later summer flowers. So far we have had little success but we will keep
trying!
More wild flowers should lead to a greater diversity
of insects and this in turn will encourage more birds. It would be good
to think that this churchyard could be a haven of peace and beauty
reflecting the glory of God’s creation.
Lichen to their liking
BIRDS
seem to have taken a fancy to our church! We have a blackbirds’ nest in
the porch and, despite the parents flying off every time anyone went in
or out, the eggs hatched and the chicks have flown. We also have a
jackdaws’ nest in the clock chamber of the tower which has had five
eggs. The birds have been quite vociferous during services (trying to
join in?) but, again, the hatching was successful and the chicks have
flown, so all is peaceful once more.
On 4th
June the “Living Churchyard” judges visited and made their usual
appreciative comments. They noted what a good variety of lichens we have
on the gravestones and asked if we would be interested in having a
lichen survey done, to which I replied, “Yes, please”. Having plenty of
lichens is a sign of clean air. Apparently Wootton Fitzpaine churchyard
has over 400 varieties. It will be interesting to compare our numbers.
Incidentally, lichens cover the stone but do not harm it. Trying to
scrape or scrub them off causes damage.
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