Churchyard Report 

 

Aim: To create an attractive, contemplative and wildlife friendly space for the villagers of Donhead St Andrew to use and enjoy.

 

SUCCESSION PLANTING FOR YEAR ROUND INTEREST
January/February Hellebores Cyclamen coum Snowdrops    March Daffodils Crocus Primroses   April Scilla under rowan tree Snakeshead fritillaries Forget me nots Ground cover comfrey Honesty  Cherry tree   May Cow parsley Narcissus poeticus around the cherry tree Bluebells Pink campion Aquilegias Hawthorn	June Roses Foxgloves Meadow flowers including orchids   July Meadow flowers Roses Hollyhocks Ground cover geranium   August Rowan berries Buddlia ( self seeded)   September Rowan berries Rose hips Cyclamen   October Rowan autumn colour Guelder rose autumn colour and berries   November/December Holly berries

 

A group of villagers have met three times in 2022 and several individuals have helped on an ad hoc basis.   There has been positive feedback from villagers and visitors about the churchyard development and it is pleasing to see people using the benches. 

 

The following work has been completed during 2022:

• Harry Jonas completed the work on the gravestones including two graves of the Jeffrey family.  This work was funded by a charitable trust to which we are very grateful
• The meadow grass was cleared in September 2022.  There was less to collect than in 2021 thanks to the successful germination of the Yellow Rattle. We were pleased that Mark Jeffrey was able to use the grass cuttings to feed his animals
• More removal of weeds, nettles and brambles and spot spraying of weeds
• The new meadow area germinated successfully and should flower well this year
• Yellow Rattle seed was harvested and re-sown in the autumn 
• Over 300 more wild flower plugs were planted
• Areas that had been successfully cleared of invasive weeds were planted with ground cover
• Fritillary, Narcissus Pseudo Narcissus and Bluebell seeds were scattered
• There is now a book in the church with photographs, APCM reports and a graveyard plan for visitors to look at.  Most burials between 1700 and 1941 can be identified from this plan and the names and approximate locations are in a folder in the Library bookcase.

Plan for 2023

• Grow new species of wild flower plugs for increased biodiversity
• Harvest and scatter Yellow Rattle seeds
• Clear under the yew in preparation for establishing ground cover with vinca
• Continue to spot kill weeds that cannot be dug up and continue to establish ground cover to reduce weeds
• Buy and fix a selection of bird boxes

 

Elizabeth Hockney May 2023