TOP 5 REWILDING TIPS

1. Know your surroundings.

Do some research on the plants and wildlife that thrive in your area. Plant native wildflowers, trees and shrubs that are suited to your area. Is your churchyard coastal and exposed to sea air? Wooded? Moorland? Urban?

2. Create wildlife habitats.

What animals might you need to accommodate for? Do some research and put up bird and bat boxes, bug and reptile houses and hedgehog holes accordingly. This can be a good way of involving local groups, schools and children.

3. Let it grow!

Have some areas of long grass and let mosses and lichen grow. Keep track of what is growing and harvest wildflower seeds to spread.

4. Keep the churchyard safe and functional.

Be aware of the most used areas of your churchyard and new graves. Watch out for brambles on pathways, poison ivy, fungi etc. that may be hazardous to users.

5. Make it a team effort.

Are there local gardening or conservation groups who you can collaborate with? Be resourceful with local expertise and enthusiasm.

For advice and resources on rewilding your churchyard go to: www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk

Churches across Wales can now register to participate in Churches Count on Nature, an annual scheme where people visit churchyards and record the plant and animal species they encounter. The biodiversity survey, supported by environmental charities A Rocha UK and Caring for God’s Acre, as well as the Church in Wales and the Church of England, will take place from June 3-11 2023, in line with the Churches Unlocked Festival.