The wider picture
The State of Nature 2023 report shows that, since 1970, UK species have declined on average by about 19%, and nearly 1 in 6 species are threatened with extinction. The nature crisis isn’t restricted to far-off places but is right here on our doorstep. We are losing familiar wildlife that we cherish.
Evidence from the State of Nature report and elsewhere points to four big on-the-ground changes that we can make to accelerate nature recovery:
- Improve the quality of protected sites on land and at sea.
These places have been chosen because they are special for nature. Wildlife should be thriving within them, yet too many are in poor condition.
- Create more, bigger and messier places for wildlife.
Our wildlife needs more space, and we know that many species benefit from habitats that are quick to create, such as ponds, scrub and untrimmed hedgerows.
- Reduce pollution on land (notably pesticides and excess fertilizers) and in marine environments.
This means more wildlife-friendly farming, forestry and fisheries.
- Target action for species recovery.
This is particularly effective when it can be applied to a high proportion of a species’s population, and is also key to bringing back lost species.
Dr Pete Brotherton, Director of Science at Natural England, writes:
The picture painted by this report is stark. This isn’t just sad – nature loss undermines our economy, food systems, and health and well-being. So we owe it to nature, and ourselves, to make sure that it is the last State of Nature report to chart continuing decline. I very much hope that everyone can take something from this report that will enable them to do their bit for nature recovery, and ensure that the next report can document the start of nature bouncing back.
Churchyards across the land
There are around 20,000 churchyards and burial grounds in the UK, forming a significant total area. Most of this land has a distinctive history with relatively little disturbance, for example by pesticides and herbicides. This makes them particularly suitable for contributing to the four challenges.
Many churchyards are now managed with the needs of the environment and biodiversity in mind: this is encouraged by organizations such as Caring for God’s Acre (www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk) who have produced material and advice for those who care for their local churchyard.
The churchyard at Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton
Although at the side of protected common land, our churchyard offers a different habitat with a greater density and variety of trees, more sheltered areas alongside walls and tree lines, and a lack of grazing.
Our management plan is designed for a variety of needs: for those who have loved ones buried there; as a restful quiet area for anyone to enjoy; and as a distinctive and valuable wildlife habitat offering opportunities for plants and animals, some of them endangered, to flourish and play their part in the complex interactions of the natural world.
Our plan ensures that the area in front of the church and the areas of most recent burials and interments are kept well-mown, allowing good access for visitors. Other areas are allowed to grow for particular periods of the year, to nurture the plants and animals that like to make their home here: within these areas are some cut paths. Birdboxes have been installed in some of the trees.
In the churchyard are several benches and it is good to see them well used by local people and visitors: they offer an opportunity for quiet relaxation, thought and prayer. Many find that the sight and sound of longer grass wafting in the breeze is a welcome addition to the ambience.
We take part in the Churches Count on Nature week each year and encourage local people to visit and look for plants, insects, birds, etc. These are recorded and added to the national database which is charting the health of the natural life of churchyards.
Our current management plan
Trees are a major feature of this churchyard and have been identified and recorded. They are inspected regularly and their maintenance costs are considerable.
The grass is managed in accord with the outline management plan below, although this is adjusted to allow for variations in weather and growing conditions during the year.
This plan requires a considerable budget: donations for the upkeep of the churchyard are always appreciated.
Much of the maintenance is undertaken by volunteers, including those who gather at our churchyard tidy-up mornings. If you would like to be more involved with the churchyard maintenance, please contact Gerald South (01453 883456 or click here for an email link).
