Since 2002 the churchyard has been managed in a way that that cares for the wildlife that has made it their home, and in a way that encourages wild flowers to flourish. This is achieved by leaving the first main cut of the churchyard until late June or early July.
This strategy certainly seems to be working, as each year there has been a noticeable increase in the wild flower population. In particular there has been an increase in the numbers of Lady’s Mantle and Ox-Eyed Daisy. By leaving the main cut until the flowers have had chance to set seed, we hope that these numbers will continue to increase.
Although one or two areas are left to grow longer, cutting of the remainder of the churchyard usually begins during May. During Spring most of the churchyard is covered by thousands of daffodils and crocus. Although this a breathtaking sight, it does mean that cutting cannot commence until the flowering period has passed.
As soon as possible after the daffodils have died cutting commences on areas immediately in front of the church, along the paths and areas that are regularly visited by those attending graves of departed loved ones.
All the work is carried out by volunteers, to whom we are extremely grateful.
We appreciate that not everyone appreciates the policy we have adopted, but as churchyards are fast becoming an important refuge for once common flora and fauna, we feel that it is important to care for all of God's creation.
At St. Peter's we are proud of our churchyard, especially as we have twice reached the final 12 in national competitions organised by Ecclesiastical Insurance.
