Help is at hand for all creatures great and small: Merseyside churches to celebrate year of biodiversity

Feb 2 2010 by Jade Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

THE view of an immaculate lawn leading to a country church is one of England's national treasures.

But this spring the Church of England is asking the public to linger for longer and appreciate the rare wildlife at their feet.

An estimated two-thirds of the CofE’s 16,000 churches have churchyards which collectively cover the area of a National Park.

Around 6,000 of these are already contributing to the biodiversity of the country – managing, not just mowing their churchyards and giving space to endangered plant species – while remaining respectful for the families and friends of those buried there.

In the Diocese of Liverpool, St Luke’s Church, in Great Crosby, has committed itself to create a place of beauty and a haven for people and wildlife.

They have made a community garden in the churchyard, complete with shrubs, plants, statues and a seating area.

They have developed a wildflower meadow, a bog garden and a wildlife tower.

Bird and bat boxes have also been put up in the grounds while a garden for reflection is being created in the graveyard by volunteers.

The church has won a Unilever Dragonfly award for best new volunteers, and in 2009 was awarded the national Green Pennant Award, which recognises green community spaces.

Rev Peter Spiers, from St Luke’s, said: “The Bible teaches us the importance of looking after Creation.

“We have found it is possible to manage St Luke's grounds for both people and wildlife.”