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Summary of Works
The churchyard – ‘God’s Acre’ – is one of the most
enduring features of our landscape. Over the centuries, many churchyards
have become sanctuaries for the living as well as the dead, where an
abundance and diversity of wildlife can flourish. Taken together,
Gwent’s churchyards make a significant area of land that has survived
untouched by wider agricultural changes and development pressures.
What has the project done?
Over the past 3 years Gwent’s Living Churchyards project has worked with
individuals, groups and Local Authorities to inspire and educate about
our rich churchyard heritage. The project has been a fantastic way of
engaging local people with local wildlife in both urban and rural
situations. Balancing the needs and expectations of visitors, with the
needs of wildlife can sometimes be a challenge, but when achieved can
have immense rewards for both.
Wildlife surveys & management plans
The project has attracted interest from over 75 churchyards and
cemeteries and has worked most closely with its target of 25 sites. New
data on the species and habitats of these churchyards has been collected
and wildlife friendly care plans developed. In some churchyards this has
meant identifying appropriate areas for trial wildflower meadow areas or
leaving uncut margins, whilst in others creating reptile refuges,
rebuilding stone walls or in one case building a new compost bin, to
replace an old pile that was burying the roots of a fantastic veteran
yew tree.
Talks, training and events to bring communities together
A diverse series of talks and training sessions have been delivered,
attended by over 600 people. Highlights have included Fred Hageneder’s
talk on ancient yews at Bettws Newydd, hedgerow planting at St Peter’s
Pantside and the charismatic Ivan Pedley (British Lichen Society)
inspiring the people of St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey about churchyard
lichens. In addition local groups have organised local churchyard open
days and events such as community ‘rake and bakes’, bug hunts and native
bulb planting with school groups. Such events provide the opportunity
for local people to learn more about the wildlife and history to which
their churchyard is home and join in helping record it, care for it and
enjoy it!
Small grant applications
Support has also been provided for small grant applications by
churchyard groups, to a variety of funding bodies. Over 10 successful
grant applications have been made including an artistic interpretation
board and leaflet to celebrate Bettws Newydd’s famous yew trees, and
strimmers and native spring bulbs at St Michael’s, Tintern.
The future
The Gwent Living Churchyards project has attracted interest and support
from churchyards across Gwent – there is certainly a demand for advice
on ‘wildlife friendly’ churchyard management and as the project ends it
continues to attract new interest. It’s hoped the churchyards/cemeteries
we’ve worked with will act as models of good practice, for those wanting
to know more about the concept of Living Churchyards.
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