a partner church in the WOLDSBURN benefice
CHURCH AT KIRKBURN
CONSERVATION AT KIRKBURN
(A re-print from St. Mary’s Magazine March 2006, Document No. 1)
Country churchyards are important habitats for wildlife because they have remained more or less unchanged for hundreds of years. Even though they have been mown and managed in different ways, they still contain a reserve of local provenance plants, trees, bushes and a few unmanaged areas. When managed sensitively, they offer a mix of habitats which encourage a range of wildlife - plants, fungi, insects, small mammals and nesting birds – all part of the food chain.
Virtually all the countryside in Britain is managed in one way or another and the landscape and environment are a result of this management. The Wolds have been intensively farmed since the Second World War and there are only a few remaining areas which are rich in wildlife.
Kirkburn church and the surrounding area is really quite important they sit at the head of a wildlife corridor which stretches eastwards along the beck for many miles. This area consists of the churchyard, the land around the springs, the SSSI, grass paddocks and of course all the gardens in the village.
In spring 2005 the PCC decided to change the management of the churchyard to encourage more wildlife. Many factors had to be considered and we were helped by the guidelines suggested by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. In essence they are:-
To create a fit & proper setting for the beautiful church and a respectful environment in keeping with the essential work of the church.
To create a haven for local grasses, wildflowers, trees, birds, butterflies and other wild creatures and to involve the local community in the project & its long term management.
(A re-
Country churchyards are important habitats for wildlife because they have remained more or less unchanged for hundreds of years. Even though they have been mown and managed in different ways, they still contain a reserve of local provenance plants, trees, bushes and a few unmanaged areas. When managed sensitively, they offer a mix of habitats which encourage a range of wildlife -
Virtually all the countryside in Britain is managed in one way or another and the landscape and environment are a result of this management. The Wolds have been intensively farmed since the Second World War and there are only a few remaining areas which are rich in wildlife.
Kirkburn church and the surrounding area is really quite important they sit at the head of a wildlife corridor which stretches eastwards along the beck for many miles. This area consists of the churchyard, the land around the springs, the SSSI, grass paddocks and of course all the gardens in the village.
In spring 2005 the PCC decided to change the management of the churchyard to encourage more wildlife. Many factors had to be considered and we were helped by the guidelines suggested by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. In essence they are:-
To create a fit & proper setting for the beautiful church and a respectful environment in keeping with the essential work of the church.
To create a haven for local grasses, wildflowers, trees, birds, butterflies and other wild creatures and to involve the local community in the project & its long term management.
850TH ANNIVERSARY
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