Churchyards are important havens for wildlife, providing food and shelter for a variety of native species. St Nicholas has been enhancing its biodiversity by creating and managing a wildflower meadow.
The site chosen is a quiet corner, where mowing and maintenance has previously been difficult. By cutting and removing excess vegetation in late summer (similar to a hay cut), more light and space has reduced competition and allowed native species, such as knapweed and primroses, to thrive. Throughout the spring and summer, the area is left undisturbed for pollinators – and people – to enjoy the flowers. Small areas are also left uncut for small mammals, birds and amphibians to overwinter and feed on seeds. This has successfully increased the flower diversity every year and helped by the introduction of yellow rattle to support control of the grass as it is semi-parasitic.
Species found in the churchyard include lady’s bedstraw, field woodrush, meadow vetchling, self heal, yarrow, dove’s foot cranesbill, oxeye daisy, common knapweed, bird’s foot trefoil, common vetch, primrose and cowslip
