Holy Trinity & St Oswald's with St Saviour's

Churchyard news

MORE THAN A CHURCHYARD

Three days of hard work reveal a wealth of wildlife and natural history

40 volunteer hours3 days of worka surprising amount of wildlife

There’s something very satisfying about standing back at the end of a big churchyard job and seeing the difference a few days of hard work can make.

The work began on Saturday with strimming. On Monday came the raking and clearing, followed on Tuesday by the final tidying before the rain really set in. The main job was completed in three days by volunteers giving around 40 hours in total.

THREE DAYS. FORTY HOURS. ONE VERY LARGE HAYSTACK.

The dry conditions this year made the work considerably easier than in previous years. Even so, clearing a churchyard is no small task, particularly when working around graves, kerbs and areas that are difficult to reach.

Strimming gets underway among the gravestones.

A further view of the strimming work in the churchyard.

Raking and gathering the cut vegetation.

The churchyard after the main work had been completed.

After initially filling the green bins with cut material, the remainder was gathered into one rather impressive final haystack. It will be collected by arrangement with the council.

Two volunteers standing beside the final haystack of cut vegetation. — One rather impressive final haystack.

LOOK CLOSELY…

The churchyard isn’t just somewhere to cut the grass. Look closely and there’s a whole miniature world going on.

Roesel’s Bush-cricket on the new wall. — Roesel’s Bush-cricket — a new record for the churchyard, found on the warm, south-facing new wall.

A Snake-legged Millipede curled up inside a leaf. — A Snake-legged Millipede curled up inside a leaf, disturbed from its early hibernation and moved to a quieter spot.

Two spiders of very different sizes on the new wall. — “David and Goliath” — two spiders of very different sizes spotted on the new wall.

A Dock Bug on a dock plant. — A Dock Bug found on — appropriately enough — a dock plant while seed heads were being removed.

Pixie cup lichens growing on what remains of a tree stump. — Pixie cup lichens growing on what remains of a tree stump in the summer meadow; the grass around them was carefully removed by hand with sheep shears.

A MINIATURE WORLD BENEATH OUR FEET

One of the discoveries was a small colony of pixie cup lichens growing on a tree stump in the summer meadow. Rather than being cleared away, the grass around them was carefully removed by hand using sheep shears, allowing this little patch to remain undisturbed.

A NEW RECORD FOR THE CHURCHYARD

A particularly striking Roesel’s bush-cricket was found on the new wall. This is a new record for the churchyard. The wall faces south and gets plenty of warm sunshine, making it an attractive habitat for insects — and its exceptionally long antennae make it quite a character.

DAVID, GOLIATH AND A DOCK BUG

The new wall also provided a home for two spiders of dramatically different sizes, rather appropriately nicknamed “David and Goliath”. Elsewhere, a Dock Bug was found on a dock plant while seed heads were being removed to prevent the plant spreading further.

SLEEPING THROUGH THE SEASON

A Snake-legged Millipede was found curled up inside a fallen leaf. It had apparently settled down for an early hibernation. Rather than disturbing it any further, it was moved to a quieter spot where it could carry on with its sleep.

A CHURCHYARD ALIVE WITH LIFE

The work also disturbed plenty of grasshoppers and revealed butterflies among the vegetation. Together with the lichens, insects and other small creatures found during the work, they’re a reminder of the rich variety of life that can exist in a churchyard.

Although the main job is now done, there are still a few areas needing some careful attention, particularly around the difficult-to-reach kerbed graves in the south-west corner. The final mowing will also have to wait until the ground has dried out.

Looking after a churchyard is a balance: keeping it tidy, accessible and cared for while also recognising and protecting the wildlife that makes its home here.

“Even when we think we’re simply tidying the churchyard, there’s always something new to discover.”

A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy and muscle to care for this special place — both for the people who visit it and for the wildlife that calls it home.

Wildlife survey

Big Butterfly Count 2026

Our churchyard once again proved to be a thriving haven for wildlife during this year's Big Butterfly Count. Surveyed by Tricia and Sarah on 20 July 2026 in warm, sunny conditions, an impressive 44 butterflies representing seven different species were recorded in just 15 minutes. The most frequently seen butterflies were Gatekeepers (17) and Meadow Browns (12), alongside Common Blues, Small Coppers, Green-veined Whites, a Small White and even a Painted Lady. Although eight Brown Argus butterflies were also spotted, they are not included in the official Big Butterfly Count because they are not one of the scheme's listed species. Beyond the count itself, the churchyard was alive with wildlife, including Common Blue damselflies, a Six-spot Burnet moth, an Essex Skipper, bumblebees, ladybirds and a variety of birds. These encouraging results highlight the importance of our churchyard as a valuable sanctuary for pollinators and other wildlife, and our sincere thanks go to Tricia and Sarah for carrying out the survey.

A short history

Stories in stone

A stone cross in Finningley churchyard surrounded by ox-eye daisies

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.

Wildflowers in the Finningley churchyard

Conservation

A wildlife haven, by design

The interpretation board in Finningley churchyard, illustrating the plants and wildlife that live there

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.

Through the year

What you’ll see, and when

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.

Recognition

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.”

More recently we have received recognition from national charity Caring for God’s Acre and feature in their directory of flowery burial grounds.

For bereaved families

Memorials, burials & remembrance

“A place where people can come to pray, to remember and, wherever possible, to find beauty, quiet and peace.”
Diocese of Sheffield Churchyard Rules

A memorial is a deeply personal thing - a lasting way of saying that someone was loved, and is still loved. We’re here to help you find a way to mark that which feels right for your family and sits well in this gentle, much-visited place.

If you’re thinking about a burial, the interment of ashes, or a memorial stone, the easiest first step is simply a conversation with our minister, Rev Neil Redeyoff. He can walk you through what’s possible, what to expect, and the small bit of paperwork involved - at whatever pace feels right.

Our churchyard is consecrated ground, and as with every Church of England churchyard there’s a shared framework that helps it stay a place of beauty, quiet and peace for everyone who visits. The summary below covers the things families most often ask about; please don’t worry about taking it all in - we’ll guide you through.

A few gentle things to know

Letting the ground settle

We usually wait around six months after a burial before a permanent stone is placed, giving the ground time to settle properly. In the meantime, a small wooden cross can mark the grave - a quiet, simple presence while you take your time deciding on a lasting memorial.

When you're ready to apply

When the time feels right, Rev Neil will help you complete a Memorial Permit Form - it just records the design, wording and dimensions you have in mind. We'd gently suggest waiting until permission is given before placing an order with a memorial mason, so nothing has to be reworked later.

Stones that suit our churchyard

Natural stones - sandstone, limestone, granite or slate - sit beautifully alongside the older memorials and the church itself. A few materials are best avoided (white marble, synthetic stone and plastic), as are kerbs, chippings and lighting. Hand-cut inscriptions, kept simple and dignified, weather wonderfully over time.

Flowers and personal touches

Fresh flowers are always welcome and a lovely way to remember someone. A removable container sunk into the ground works well (just no cellophane or glass, which can get caught up in the mowing). Faded flowers are tidied away with care. Artificial flowers and other keepsakes are best brought on a visit rather than left, as they don't tend to fare well outdoors.

There’s a little more detail - on the interment of ashes, reserving a grave space, repairs and so on - in the full Diocese of Sheffield Churchyard Rules, if you’d like to read more. But honestly, the easiest way is to pick up the phone or drop Rev Neil a line. There’s no question too small, and no awkward time to ask.

Download the full Rules (PDF)Rev Neil neil.redeyoff@sheffield.anglican.org

Telephone 01302 770240

A sanctuary for people and wildlife