Standlake
Eco Churchyards:
Assessment,
Vision and
Action Plan
Introduction
The purpose of churchyards is to provide a space for burial, mourning and reflection. They should be a peaceful haven to rest and enjoy nature. They do not belong just to the Church but the community as a whole and need to be accessible for all. In recent years the importance of conservation and boosting biodiversity has been recognised. This must be balanced with practical considerations and creating a respectful space.
The fifth mark of Christian Mission is: to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth. Creation care is a top priority for the Diocese of Oxford. Diocesan Synod declared a climate emergency in March 2020 and set an ambitious goal of achieving net zero on carbon emissions by 2035. This report is an attempt to assess how St Giles’ Churchyards align with these principles.
This next year is crucial for the development of the New Churchyard. At present it is almost a blank canvas but decisions need to be made as to how it is developed. If burial rates were the same as since the opening of the Middle Churchyard in the mid 1950s, the New Churchyard has space for the next 200 years. However, fewer people now are choosing to be buried – so the active use of this land is likely to be considerably longer than this. The choices we make now will shape this space forever.
With this in mind, a meeting of key stakeholder including representatives of the Church, Parish Council and Nature Recovery Network was held in February 2023.This plan is moving on from this and to provide an assessment of where we are in August 2023, develop a vision and create a timeline of actions to move forward. The next step is to publicise ideas and consult the wider community.
The churchyards at Standlake already provide a haven for wildlife. They are in close proximity to the river Windrush and surrounding meadows. There are many mature trees within the ground including ash, yew, horse chestnut, hazel, beech and larch. These areas all provide areas for nesting birds, squirrels, hedgehogs and voles. Surveys have been done to assess reptiles and bats. Management for wildlife has been a consideration for some time. For example, areas under the horse chestnuts bordering the car park are left “wilder” so there are longer grasses and wild plants, and encouraging grassland diversity.
It is likely that changes will be noticed and everyone will not be in favour. The PCC (Parochial Church Council) previously agreed that if there were “complaints” the rationale for changes would be explained. Raising awareness of the management of the Churchyards for biodiversity will be important. It is planned to have further Churchyard tours, develop signage, have a display at the Friends of St Giles September Social and Standlake Market, and have explanatory information on the Eco Church notice board in the porch.
In order for the plans for Standlake Eco Churchyards to go ahead the Church will need to look to the wider community for support by joining working parties, coming to fundraising events and making donations. How you can do this will be publicised over the coming months.
The church has a small band of loyal supporters many of whom are not regular church goers but care about the history and architecture of the building and the surrounding area. The church doesn’t receive any financial support from the diocese and is reliant on the generosity of the parishioners both in terms of time and money. St Giles is an important part of the village and provides a valuable service to the community, not only offering a place to worship but offering support to those in need.
This is an exciting project and it is hoped that the village will come together to develop this beautiful space for residents.
The Old Churchyard
The area north of the church next to the car park is an important area for nature. There are five mature Horse Chestnut trees here and the area is not cut in the Spring/Summer. This enables the cow parsley and nettles to grow. This is good for orange tip butterflies, hover flies, aphids and small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies. Both nettles and cow parsley favour soil that is nutrient rich but both can take over an area. This area is strimmed/cut back in the Autumn to prevent this.
There are some native bulbs that like shade or partial shade. Adding to these will be in future plans. We are looking at native species like snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), wood anemone and English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).Some scrub clearance may be required first. Near the path the grass is cut short.
The Standlake Nature Recovery Network (NRN) put up a bird box in 2022 and a family of Great Tits were hatched.
This area illustrates the importance of long-term planning. Although Horse Chestnuts are widespread in the UK and support many native species, having so many of the same tree together is not the best for biodiversity. They also block the view of the Church as you come into the village.
Grass areas
Areas near the path from the road to the South Door/Porch will continue to be well kept with close mown grass but a new plan for diversification in other areas will be created. A mix of grass at different heights with mown paths for access is envisaged. Some graves in the Old Churchyard are still visited and the mown paths can be planned to accommodate this. Some species enrichment will be considered.
In the noughties there was a trial of letting areas grow long through Spring/Summer and it was then scythed. It is reported that few wild flowers developed in the area. This year large areas were left to grow in “No Mow May”.
Stumps such the cherry tree stumps area are already growing some fungus types. It would be good if the area around it was developed with wild flowers/native bulbs.
There is a grand bug box on the south side of the shed. This Insect Hotel had overwintering mason bees and leaf cutter bees last winter. The north side of the shed between it and the car park wall is a good position for a Hedgehog hotel.
Paths The paths from the road to the porch and to the Horns Way (Elizabeth II) gate need maintenance. And the gate itself was damaged in 2022 with decorative woodwork in the upper section removed. Options are being considered.
The structural integrity of the stone wall between the Old Churchyard and the Middle Churchyard is vital. Fairly extensive repairs and repointing are planned for May/June 2024. Unfortunately, the toadflax and other plants that grow on the wall cause the mortar to disintegrate. The plants shouldn’t be pulled out as this causes further damage. The wall is sprayed with weedkiller in the Spring in an attempt to limit plant growth.
The Middle Churchyard
This is the area that has been used for burials and cremated remains since the mid-fifties. There are some reserved plots but it is expected that this area will be full for burials during 2023. There is still space in the cremated remains area for some years.
This area is currently kept close mown and maintained to a high standard. No change to this is being considered for this area.
The pathway close to the hedge, currently used heavily at the start and end of the school day, needs maintenance although the priority is funding the new path in the New Churchyard.
The installation of Coronation “Gateposts” to mark the entrance to the New Churchyard is planned. These will be oak posts with a simple carving. This will be for the entrance nearest Horns Way, the “Coffin Path” out of the Church to the grave. As well as continuing the tradition of marking coronations with Gates it is hoped these will give a sense of place to the New Churchyard. The gate on the road commemorates George VI and the gate to Horns Way Elizabeth II.
The New Churchyard
Platinum Jubilee Tree
A tree donated by the Parish Council
to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee
was planted on 8 March 2023. This is a
Whitebeam sorbus aria: a deciduous
broadleaf tree that is compact and domed.
Mature trees can grow to a height of 15m.
It has lovely blossom in spring and then
russet leaves in Autumn and red berries.
The blossom attracts pollinating insects
and the berries are a great food source
for birds in winter. The trees leaves are
also a good food plant for some moth
species.
It has been registered as part of
The Queen’s Green Canopy. This was an
initiative that began in May 2021
in the United Kingdom in honour of the
Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
in 2022. To increase and protect the
native tree cover, people were urged to
create this ‘special gift’ for the Queen,
to mark her 70 years on the throne.
A seep bag has been purchased to enable
targeted, slow release watering while it
is getting established. However, as soon as
it was bought a very wet period started so
it hasn’t needed to be used yet. Hopefully,
2024 will be a dryer Summer and, as newly
planted trees need extra care for two years,
it will be needed then.
Current grass, future meadow?
The grass in the area already contains a variety of meadow plants including black medic, clover, creeping vetch, buttercups, dandelions, plantain cowslip, foxglove, dock, daisy, ground ivy meadow cranesbill and mouse ear. It has been agreed that areas of this will be enriched with a variety of meadow seeds.
To create meadow swathes this area needs to be cut very short in August. The areas of moss needs to be vigorously scarified so bare areas of soil are exposed. This will provide an excellent seed bed for over-sowing with a wild flower seed mix which needs to be sown in September/ early October or February/March
Two types of seed mix have been ordered:
-
Emorsgate EM2F a Standard General Purpose Wild Flower Mix that contains species that are characteristic of traditional meadows and grassland across a wide range of soil types.
-
Emorsgate EM3 This meadow mixture contains a very wide range of species. It may be used to create a very diverse sward where conditions vary across a site. It is also useful in situations where precise soil and site characteristics have not been established before sowing.
These mixes will be supplemented with yellow rattle seeds and sown with sand to help create an even mix. Yellow rattle is added to lessen the fertility of the soil which would help the wild flowers to thrive. The last payment for printer cartridge recycling has gone towards the seed purchase.
Maintenance of the meadow would involve leaving the growth through spring and summer. In late August 2024 the area would receive a hay cut leaving the arisings to dry and seed to drop off after which the arisings would be collected and removed to avoid any build up of nutrients on the site. Subsequent cuttings, as required, could be done through autumn and winter. This cutting schedule of no cuts from December to August is maintenance conservation cut.
An area of more maintained grass around recent burials and cut paths through the meadow grass is envisaged. A plan needs to be developed for the layout of plots and the Diocese will be consulted. Similarly, there are many options for the internment of ashes. We have more time for consultation before making this decision.
Benches
There is already one bench in the hedge nearest to the Middle Churchyard. It is felt that two more hardstandings ready for further benches should be planned at this point. The Diocese have specific recommendations for the materials that should be used for benches with a preference for “plastic wood” as this lasts longer. Than real wood. A faculty is required for any benches. In the future, the area around the central tree is likely to include a seating area too.
Pathway
A pathway from the ramp to the car park to the far side of the New Churchyard, running along the eastern hedge would provide good access to the new graves but also connects the car park to Horns Way and the back gate of the school. A faculty will be needed for this.
This path is a very important part of the vision, although some initial investigations have been done, we haven’t yet found anyone to project manage it and hope that someone in the village will make themselves known to discuss what would be needed.
To lessen the congestion in front of the school at the start and end of the day, parents/guardians are encouraged to use the car park by the church. Currently, they can then proceed to school along the road or across the Middle Churchyard. However, this path is quite narrow and the surface gets claggy in wet weather. Once inside the school gate there is a path to the school.
The Diocese’s preferred surface for paths is self-binding gravel. These are found in many National Trust properties, provide a compact surface with a light stone colouring and require minimal excavation. They advise against tarmac in historic churches, as it is often at odds with the materials and character of the church setting and its application involves heavy machinery. The surface is suitable prams and for wheelchair users.
I have contacted Smiths of Bletchingdon who own the local gravel workings. They supply self-binding gravel and the necessary coarser foundation material. They indicated we would be offered a very favourable price (or maybe complete donation?).
There needs to be an edge to the path. The options appear to be a chaffered concrete edge or gravel board. To get an idea of price I used 150 linear meters. Through Minster paving the cost of the concrete edge would be about £1,800 (possible discount). Six inch gravel board from C.J.Clark in Witney would be about £250. The Diocese will be asked about recommendations for path edging.
Therefore, the major expenditure is labour. I have not looked into contractors or price. Smiths sent a photo of a path at Bletchingdon Church in self binding gravel. It may be that FOSG – Friends of St Giles, FOSS – Friends of Standlake School or the Parish Council may help with some funding.
Although, at its southern end, the path will lead into the Middle Churchyard, it is expected that some people/children will continue straight on and go through the hedge and use the steps to access Horns Way. They are on the strip of land for which the owner cannot be established despite the efforts of the Parish Council. The Parish Council will be made aware of this due to the potential safety issue as they are most likely to be contacted if there is an issue.
Unconsecrated Ground
This is a four metre strip bordering the hedge to Horns Way. This is quite shady and would be suitable for a native bulb mix: snowdrops, wood anemones, aconites, bluebells and also primroses. This will give a show through the Spring, providing pollen and nectar for early emerging insect. When these flowers die back, the meadow flowers would provide an alternate pollen source for bees and butterflies. A permanent marker is needed to indicate the extent of this land.
Hedges
The New Churchyard has had a lovely hedge planted on the West and North side with a nice mix of native species including hawthorn, beech, bramble, dog rose, hazel and field maple. It is the responsibility of the Parish Council. The hedge will provide food and shelter to many species over different seasons from hazel nuts to hawthorn berries.
Until recently it hadn’t been managed or cut. Initial pruning helps to keep a hedge thick and bushy as opposed to thin and leggy with gaps. At the request of the PCC, the hedge was cut,in January 2022. This was paid for by the Parish Council. Paula Gaffney of NRN ensured the correct amount was cut and the Field Maples were left. Hedge laying by Stuart Bridger’s team is planned for the mornings of Sunday the 8th and 15th October 2023. There is not a service in St Giles on either of these days. I would suggest a donation should be made to their organisation. I have offered to lay on refreshments for the work party.
The hedge will be no more than about 1.5m tall so that views to the west of the sunset and meadow with lambs can enhance the enjoyment of the area as a place of quiet contemplation, Also cutting to this height would help stop people using the end of car park for undesirable activity as they will be more easily seen. The Parish Council have been approached to consider installing some sort of security camera.
The “hedge” between the Middle and New Churchyard has not been maintained, at least not recently. It includes a number of quite sizeable trees and, as it may have been planned as a beech hedge, the potential size of these and the closeness to graves is an issue. The Middle Churchyard is already quite shady. During the winter of 23/24 this will be assessed although it is noted that any work here will have a substantial cost.
It has been suggested that views of the Church from the New Churchyard could be opened up. This will mean the area is better integrated into the whole. A bird box was installed in this hedge last year by Lucy Kennedy of the Lower Windrush Valley Project and two more are due to be moved here from the Playing Field where they haven’t been used.
Owls
An owl box has been placed just beyond the Churchyard in the large Ash tree at the corner of the plot facing out onto the meadow. This was paid for by the Parish Council, and installed by Ally Bunning of the Barn Owl Project and Standlake Nature Recovery Network.
Bats
The Old Churchyard is an important feeding ground for bats. A survey was done one evening Summer 2022 and four species of bats have been observed foraging over the Churchyard: Noctule, Serotine, Common Pipistrel and Soprano Pipistrel. There is a small maternity roost under the flashing on the south facing roof above the altar. It was thought the bats were not entering the interior of the Church. However, recently bat droppings have been seen on the top of the organ. This will be monitored.
Reptiles
These were also surveyed by the NRN in 2022 -a very dry summer. This involved checking refugia fortnightly over several months. Nothing of significance was discovered although there are several appropriate habitats. Reptiles were found on the allotments which are relatively close with a reptile friendly corridor to the Churchyards.
Redundant stone compost holders
These are near the gate onto Horns Way. They are in the shade and a log pile has been started by the NRN Team. This won’t dry out (as can happen in a sunny position) and the logs aren’t able to roll away. A log pile will support a wide range of wildlife, including moss and insects and other invertebrates such as Devils Coach-horse, brown centipede, lesser stag beetle. It will also attract a range of small mammals like the wood mouse, reptiles, amphibians such as toads. Birds will then prey on the insect residents. Decaying wood also supports a range of fungi, including orange spot and the oddly-named candle snuff. One simple pile of logs can quickly become a flourishing wildlife community. A notice will be put up here to explain what is happening.
Water Supply
The Parish Council was asked to consider installing a tap near the car park ramp. This will make it easier for people to tend graves in the New Churchyard, They would be willing to install a tap at the burial ground end of the existing pipe. The connection to the church water supply would be the responsibility of the PCC. However, it is thought that the existing pipe is too susceptible to freezing which is why it was never connected. This will be reconsidered in the future.
Conclusion
There is a lot of work to be done to bring this vision to reality. The Churchyards are an important community area for the village as well as providing a range of habitats for biodiversity. We have every confidence that there will be support for this amazing opportunity for Standlake.
August 2023
Anne Carter (Eco Church Lead)
01865 300226
Please contact me if you would like to discuss any part of this report or can offer support in any way.
Schedule of Work
|
Month |
Action |
Responsibility |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
August |
Plan to PCC |
Anne |
Agreed |
|
August/ September |
Discussion with: NRN Phil Chris QR code for Standlake Eco Churchyards fundraising Display on Eco Church noticeboard (Porch) Publicity at Village Market 2/9 Publicity at FOSG Social 28/9 Social Media/Village News Churchyard Tours Order Wild flower Seed mix Path quotes Faculty for path/bench bases/ Coronation gate posts Contact Diocese re path edging and burial plan |
Anne Jo/Jane/Anne Jo/Jane/Anne Elisabeth
Anne Anne Anne Anne Anne Anne ? Jane
Anne |
Done
Done Done
Done Done Done Done Done Done
Started
Done |
|
Late August/early September |
All grass cut short Strim under Horse Chestnuts |
Chris/Phil Chris |
Done
Done
|
|
September/ October |
Explanatory notices in Churchyard Scarify moss areas in New Churchyard – Some moss to log pile Order bulbs Page on LWBenefice website Fundraising for Path/Apply for grants Sow wild flower mix to prepared areas Plant bulbs |
Anne Chris/Working Party??? Anne Anne
? NRN/work party? |
Spring
Done Done Done
Spring
|
|
October |
Publicity at Village Market 7/10 Hedge laying 8/10 and 15/10 Fundraising for path/gateposts “Eco Churchyards” Book stall 14/10 Clothes Swap and Shop First Burial plot |
Anne Stuart Vivien Anne
Anne Phil/Anne |
Done
Done Done Done
Done Done |
|
November |
Leaf clearing with bacon butties Review of Eco Church descriptors – apply for Silver?? |
Work party/Jo Anne |
|
|
Winter 23/24 |
Path installation/ hardstanding for 2 benches Marker for unconsecrated ground No cut after December in New Churchyard Assessment of hedge between Middle and New Churchyard Queen Elizabeth Gate to Horns Way – repairs |
? ? ? No one!! Anne/Paula? Jane |
|
|
Spring 24 on |
Short grass cutting Areas left to grow with cut paths Spraying of wall Contact Diocese re cremated remains/ Create proposal |
Chris Chris Chris? Anne |
|
|
May/June 2024 |
Wall repairs |
David C |
|
|
July/August |
Remove annual weeds from wild flower area Hay Cut – one week later arisings removed Order Bulbs |
NRN/ work party? ? Anne |
|
|
Autumn 24 |
Further hay cuts of meadow Discussion re Commemorative Archway to New Churchyard from car park for 800 years anniversary of 1228 Plant bulbs |
? PCC School/ Work party |
|
|
For future consideration |
Paths in Old Churchyard Path in Middle Churchyard Stump area Old Churchyard Assessment of Horse Chestnut trees Seating round Whitebeam |
? |