Congratulations to those churches who have recently gained the Bronze Churchyard Conservation Award (Haddenham Burial Ground, St Peter's in Carlton, St Dennis in East Hatley, St Mary's in Wood Ditton and St Michael's in Great Gidding). These churches have created excellent areas to help nature without losing site of the primary purpose of a burial ground. It has been good to hear local people remark how much better their churchyard now looks, in contrast to previous endless short, parched, grass which produces no flowers or cover for wildlife.
Reptiles and amphibians
Churchyards and burial grounds can be great places for reptiles (snakes, lizards) and amphibians (frogs, toads, newts). You may see lizards basking in the sun on walls or monuments or perhaps a frog or toad hunting in a cool, damp corner or rotting wood pile. In winter, reptiles and amphibians hibernate, slowing their metabolisms and escaping winter weather in burrows, composts and wood piles or secluded areas of vegetation. Typically, this happens between October and March, although there have been sightings later in the year due to our warming climate. Wood piles and composts make a good place for winter hibernation, such as the new compost at Great Gidding, partially shielded by a dead hedge/living wall.
In Offord D'Arcy Julie and Janet are using a corrugated sheet, which has space for reptiles to move under it, to make a temporary home for snakes in the long grass area. This seems to be working because they have already seen a grass snake in its new home - see photo below. Caring for God's Acre recommend Onduline as 'a great choice for the top; a roofing material coated in bitumen and available from most DIY stores. This dark tar helps it warm up quickly, even in weak sunshine.' Remember that all amphibians and reptiles in the UK are ectothermic (cold blooded) and need warmth when they emerge after the winter.
Summer Flower area
I hope that you have enjoyed a variety of summer flowers in your churchyard this summer, despite the very dry weather. Cutting paths through and around this area not only indicate to visitors that it is being managed but allow them to properly see and enjoy the flowers and grasses. These photos are of the summer flower areas during June in St Mary's, Wooditton and St Andrew's, Witchford.
Diana Cook: Volunteer Co-ordinator, Cambridgeshire Churchyard Conservation Award