Make space for nature in churchyards, says Somerset Wildlife Trust

Somerset Wildlife Trust has launched its 2025 Wilder Churches project, which aims to make religious spaces more attractive to wildlife.

The charity, along with the Diocese of Bath and Wells, first started the scheme in 2021. Since then, it has supported more than 100 communities to take action in their local spaces for nature.

Methods used in some churches include making planters bee-friendly or adjusting how the yards are mowed.

Spotted Flycatcher is a declining species that has a fondness for churchyards (Peter Garrity).

Religious room for wildlife

Pippa Rayner, co-ordinator for the project at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "We have been absolutely delighted by how many people have taken part in the initiative. We're really keen for 2025 to refresh the training and ask more communities to get involved.

"Sometimes it's about changing the mowing regime so you can let it grow tall over the summer. Other communities are doing things like building bug hotels, or putting up Common Swift boxes."

She added the initiative also helped communities find balance between nature and respect for those buried there.