The Churchyard Maintenance Team

Our churchyard is unique in a number of ways; in its size, location and aspect, the fact that it is still open for both burials and interment of ashes, and in its importance as a county wildlife site.

The total area is around 5 acres, much larger than the normal “God’s acre”. It is set high above the surrounding countryside with spectacular views over the village and beyond. Some of the land slopes steeply towards the west. The area has been designated a county wildlife site in recognition of the rich and varied plant life which exists there and which has largely disappeared from other “improved “ meadows.

Care of the churchyard is in the hands of a hard working team of volunteers, helped by advice from the Living Churchyard scheme and the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. We have now a formal plan of care for the churchyard, drawn up by the Wildlife Trust. Some funding is received from the Parish Council in recognition that the churchyard is the burial ground for all members of the parish, whatever their religious affiliation. Otherwise we rely on church funds, grants and voluntary labour to do our work.

In caring for the churchyard we try to strike a balance between the needs of those with loved ones in the churchyard and the promotion of wildlife. We do this by leaving some areas, particularly those rich in plant life, to grow wild through the spring, summer and early autumn, and close mowing other areas. In the early autumn we cut and rake off the wild areas to prevent the soil becoming too enriched (which prevents the “thugs” of the plant world, nettles, docks and thistles taking over). We are rewarded in the spring with a mass of primroses, violets of all shades and, slightly later, cowslips. In the summer, knapweed, scabious, lady’s bedstraw, teasles, yarrow and many other plants emerge and provide plentifully for insects and birds. We also care for the trees and surrounding hedges in as least aggressive a way as possible, thus providing food and shelter for birds, insects and amphibians.

Caring for wildlife and the environment runs hand in hand with recognising that the churchyard is a place of rest for thousands of villagers. It isn’t widely known, but legally the care of an individual grave is always the responsibility of that deceased person’s family. However, where it is obvious that no-one is left to care for a grave, we do our best to care for it, when resources allow. We can’t, however, re-erect fallen grave stones; just make them safe by laying them flat.

Caring for the churchyard is never ending and immensely rewarding. Please get in touch via the Contact page if you are able to help by offering your time and talents. However much time you have and whatever your abilities are, we can use them!

The Cleaning Team

It is a big church and it needs a lot of vacuuming, dusting, polishing and tidying up to keep the interior looking fresh and cared for. New volunteers are always warmly welcomed.

The Flower Team