Wilder Churches at Whitestaunton

 

At Whitestaunton Church we are taking part in an exciting initiative run by Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is providing free online training and support to help communities take action for wildlife in their churchyard (or other church land or burial ground).

We are starting by getting to know what wildlife the churchyard already supports by doing a survey of the wildlife in the churchyard.  So plants can grow and attract wildlife to the churchyard, we are leaving a small plot of grass on the bank at the back of the churchyard unmown between May and August.   The rest of the churchyard will continue to be mown as usual by our voluntary mowing team (to whom we are very grateful).

We will give you updates on our progress and please do let Jane (details below) know if you spot any interesting wildlife when you are visiting the churchyard.

So far in the grassy bank we have spotted:  ribwort plantain, common ragwort, dandelion, lords and ladies, lesser celandine, hogweed, common cleavers and germander speedwell.  

We have also spotted honeybees and red-tailed mason bees near the path.

Please do get in touch if you have questions or queries by contacting Whitestaunton’s Wilder Churches Champion: Jane Harris at janeharris334@gmail.com

Find out more about Wilder Churches at www.somersetwildlife.org/wilder-churches where you can also watch recordings of the online events held so far and sign up to events.