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Churchyard Management Plan

 

Our Churchyard is managed to protect the natural wildlife habitats.  The plan has been put together in conjunction with the Hampshire Community Conservation Officers and is implemented by our "Rusty Cutter" churchyard maintenance team - If you fancy a spot of "gardening on a grand scale" why not give up a couple of hours and come and lend a hand.  The team meet every Wednesday morning in the churchyard.

 

The following table and map gives details of the management plan - If you have any questions on this work please send an email to the parish administrator.

 

Area (See Map Below)

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Notes

A-Woodland centre front of church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extensive areas of spring bulbs, cut only when foliage has died back and again in late autumn.

A-Woodland edge front of church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area with sanicle leave uncut until June then cut regularly & remove cuttings.

B-Primrose & cowslip bank on south side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whole bank including top to area of flat grass should be cut & remove cuttings.

B-Top of bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manage as short grass cut 5 / 6 times a year or as necessary. Cut back nettles in autumn.

C-North churchyard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North side with graves has mixture of bulbs, hoary plantain & compositae. Cut regularly & remove cuttings

D-Short grassland / lawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manage as short grass cut 5 / 6 times a year, or as necessary.

E-Extension and Annexe long grass / meadow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manage as a meadow with 3 cuts a year & cuttings removed.

F-Short grassland / lawn

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manage as short grass cut 5 / 6 times a year or as necessary

 

= optimum time to carry out action.

 

General Management Points- Grasslands:

  • Allow grasses and wildflowers time to flower and set seed, hence the delay in cutting area E.
  • To prevent grassland areas becoming rank and of relatively low wildlife value to it is essential to remove cuttings to prevent nutrient build up in the soil.
  • When trimming do not strim too closely.
  • Grass cuttings can be used to create a compost area to encourage slow worms.

 

Clare Taylor and Clare Bishop - Community Conservation Officers 2001