Wildflower meadow

Some years ago, we took the decision to not to mow the grass in spring and summer in the older areas of the churchyard where families do not visit often. We mow these areas in the autumn. Our reward is a succession of wildflowers from early spring through to summer when over 300 wild orchids grow. Insects, butterflies and birds thrive too. Our churchyard has become a haven of peace and beauty, much enjoyed by visitors and wildlife.

On Mothering Sunday and from early summer onwards please pick up one of the ‘Welcome to our Churchyard’ prayer cards, available in the church.

Read on for more on reptiles!

Slow-worms in Churchyards Project (SLiC)

Wildlife habitats in churchyards provide a thriving ecosystem for many different species, including reptiles. Slow-worms (Anguis Fragilis) are the most common reptile found.  We are pleased that our churchyard is taking part in a survey of this protected species. Volunteers from the Dorset Amphibian and Reptile Network, aim to visit the churchyard every month to check if there are any reptiles underneath the carpet tiles which they have placed near the hedges and in long grassy areas. They look to see whether any other reptiles are out foraging or basking in the sun. The tiles provide protection from predators and a place for the reptiles to warm up either under the tiles or on top. Reptiles are cold blooded and they need warmth to become active. We try not to disturb the tiles otherwise the reptiles may not use them again.

Volunteers surveying the churchyard.

Headstones before and after Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI).