Churchyard

CHURCHYARD PAGE

Finningley church in springtime

A management plan was drawn up. Under this plan parts of the churchyard are conserved as spring meadow, not cut until July, and parts are conserved as summer meadow, not cut until September. Other areas are kept mown recognising the needs of people visiting the church and providing access to graves.

Some trees, shrubs and wild flowers were introduced in the first few years to create extra sources of food (nectar and berries) and habitats for wildlife. Bird boxes were put up, log piles were created and 2 compost heaps have been maintained within the churchyard, all with the aim of attracting a variety of small animal, bird and insect life.

Over the years these measures have increased the number and variety of wild flowers, benefited wildlife and enhanced the natural appearance of the churchyard.

Snowdrops are the first flowers to appear, often as early as January. Then come the early spring flowers, followed by the later flowering Lady’s Smock, Buttercups and Germander Speedwell with its tiny bright blue flowers. In summer the breeze rippling through the grasses illuminated by the evening sun is especially beautiful. In autumn after most of the grasses have been cut down the trees and shrubs brighten up the churchyard with their scarlet berries and hips. Varieties of fungi now begin to appear and the Ivy that covers the walls is itself in flower and alive with the buzzing of insects, bees and butterflies taking their fill before hibernation.

Our work in conserving the churchyard has received recognition from Doncaster Naturalists’ Society, DMBC, English Nature and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. We gained awards in 1997 and 1999 in the environmental category of the “Doncaster in Bloom” competition and in 2000 and 2002 we gained 3rd and 1st places in Yorkshire Wildlife Trust competitions to find the churchyard “managed most sympathetically for wildlife”.

Conservation does not imply a policy of neglect and lack of care. It does mean a change of emphasis, adopting a sensitive and balanced approach so that the churchyard is managed for the benefit of all.

AUCKLEY Thank you volunteer gardeners and workers who have given their time and effort at Auckley Parish Centre and St Saviour’s Church over recent weeks.

We have had wonderful help, people donating plants, weeding, tidying, grass cutting etc. Without your help we would still be at it! At the risk of missing someone out - thanks to the Brownies, Ann Harriman, Margaret Ottewell, Ann Acton, Margaret Byrne, Derek, Alan, Ann Hagan, Billy, Burt and Betty. We will try and keep on top of the weeding now to maintain the very attractive Garden.

Thank you - with love from Barbara