Churchyards are special places for nature. They have never been ploughed, fertilised or developed. They are relatively quiet and undisturbed and contain a variety of wildflowers, mature trees and shrubs. As such, they can become havens for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, moths and other insects, as well as birds and small mammals.
St Mary’s churchyard in Nassington is being managed as a meadow to allow the wildflowers, trees and grasses that support wildlife to flourish. 56 different types of plant, 11 different grasses and 12 different types of tree and shrub have already been identified. The area is cut and raked off at the end of the summer – after seeds have set and young have been raised.
Working parties are held to improve the churchyard for wildlife and people.
Recent planting has included wildflower seeds and plugs and surplus native plants from villagers’ gardens. More planting is planned.
