May is the month for enjoying wildflowers and the buzz of insects, and what better place to do this than your local churchyard or cemetery? With over 20,000 burial grounds in England and Wales these are fantastic wildlife hotspots, scattered like gems across our cities, towns and villages. Since the onset of coronavirus, we may have been taking exercise in our local ‘patch’ or enjoying the wildlife to be seen from windows or in gardens. For those lucky enough to have access to a churchyard or cemetery there are many wonders to see and this could be a good time to learn how to make a biological record for the Caring for Gods Acre national database. Why not give it a go? Have a look on our website and use the iRecord form or email or post a list to us.
If you are new to recording, start with something easy. Is there a yew tree in your churchyard, or perhaps a molehill? What about grey squirrel, blackbird or robin? This could be a good year to focus on some of our familiar wild-flowers; bluebells, selfheal, lesser stitchwort and cow parsley all flower in May. Does corydalis or ivy grow on the wall? What about peacock butterflies, bright yellow brimstones or flying at tree height, the holly blue?
We have a ‘Starter Guide’ to help you get going with this new, engrossing hobby. Excellent for all ages including children, these are free to good homes! Please email me or order via our website and I will pop one in the post.
All the best
Harriet Carty,
Diocesan Churchyard Environmental Advisor, harriet@cfga.org.uk
www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk - individuals and groups in the diocese receive 20% members discount on all CfGA materials. Use the discount code Lich19