Just over an acre of historic ground, with headstones dating back to the 1700s and a thriving wildlife meadow tended for over thirty years. Everyone’s welcome to walk and enjoy it.
Finningley churchyard is a little more than 1 acre in size. It has a few headstones that date back to the 1700s, but most are from the 19th and first half of the 20th century. The oldest graves are generally those you see as you enter the churchyard, with the 20th-century graves towards the western end. These include several War Graves and memorials to men who died in the First and Second World Wars.
On the south side, on either side of the path beside the rectory gate, are a group of cross-shaped headstones marking the graves of some of Finningley’s former parish priests. Behind the three crosses are two box tombs, memorials to members of the Harvey Woodhouse family. Gervas Harvey Woodhouse was rector for 46 years during the 19th century — one of a number of Harveys who served as rectors over almost two centuries while the family lived at Finningley Grange. He was responsible for the building of our first village school, now Finningley Village Hall.
Just beyond the churchyard lies the new graveyard, holding the more recent graves from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. Adjacent to the former airfield of RAF Finningley, it also houses war graves of airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War and since.
Churches have long been recognised as sanctuaries. With the decrease of natural wildlife habitats, our churchyards are increasingly seen as sanctuaries for wildlife too — providing refuge for many varieties of plants and animals.
With the agreement of the Parochial Church Council, the conservation of Finningley churchyard began in 1994. Surveys identified a surprisingly large number of flowering plants and grasses, and a management plan was drawn up.
Under the plan, parts of the churchyard are conserved as spring meadow, not cut until July, and parts as summer meadow, not cut until September. Other areas are kept mown, so people visiting the church can move freely and reach the graves they wish to tend.
Trees, shrubs and wild flowers were introduced in the early years to add food sources and habitats. Bird boxes went up, log piles were created, and two compost heaps are maintained within the churchyard. Together they support a rich variety of birds, insects and small animals.
Conservation does not imply a policy of neglect and lack of care. It does mean a change of emphasis — a sensitive, balanced approach so that the churchyard is managed for the benefit of all.
The churchyard changes character with the seasons. Here’s a taste of what to look out for.
Winter
Snowdrops are the first to appear in January, peeking out under bare trees.
Early spring
Primroses, Violets and Daffodils take over, soon joined by Honesty, Garlic Mustard and Lady's Smock.
Spring meadow
Buttercups, Sorrel, Plantains and Sweet Vernal Grass come into flower across the conserved areas.
Early summer
Ox-eye Daisies, Germander Speedwell and Lady's Bedstraw bring colour throughout the churchyard.
Summer meadow
Lesser Knapweed, Yarrow, Harebells and the candy-striped Field Bindweed appear, with grasses rippling in the evening sun.
Autumn
Trees and shrubs glow with scarlet berries and hips, fungi appear, and the flowering Ivy buzzes with bees and butterflies.
Our work has been recognised by Doncaster Naturalists’ Society, DMBC, English Nature and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. We won awards in 1997 and 1999 in the environmental category of “Doncaster in Bloom”, and since 2000 we’ve received continued recognition from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for maintaining a churchyard that is “managed most sympathetically for wildlife.”