Churchyards are one of the most enduring features of our landscape. Over the centuries, many churchyards have become sanctuaries for the living as well as the dead, where an abundance and diversity of indigenous and naturalised wildlife can flourish. The Breckland churchyards make up a significant area of land that has survived untouched by pesticides and herbicides or by intensive agriculture and urban development. Many native plant and lichen species and their associated fauna survive only in churchyards.
Pride in Breckland has joined forces with The Wensum Valley Trust to offer local communities a chance to work together to help improve these areas.
“Both churchyards and cemeteries can provide valuable, largely undisturbed habitats for species such as butterflies, slow worms, lizards and bats. This project is designed to give people a greater understanding of the potential wildlife habitat of churchyards and cemeteries.” said Theresa Hewett, Breckland Council’s Executive member for Communities.
“Our Pride team can offer advice, supply volunteers, and set up community groups to help carry out management work. Our hope is to enable the volunteer groups to share equipment, exchange information and boost each other’s morale. By working together we can create community cohesion and care for our environment.”
If you would like to play a part and get involved in this worthwhile project please contact Richard Wills on 01362 656870 or email
richard.wills@breckland.gov.uk