New guide aids “Churchyard Tourism”

The understanding and appreciation of the nation’s churchyards and burial grounds is set to improve, following the official launch of a fold-out Guide to Wildlife of Burial Grounds on Monday, September 28th.

Published by Shropshire-based national conservation charity Caring for God’s Acre, the guide is another step towards highlighting the many possibilities which exist for the public to take full advantage of an estimated 20-30,000 such sites - a remarkable collection of miniature undesignated nature reserves scattered amongst our towns, cities and country parishes.

At a time when an incredible 98% of the UK’s ancient, unspoiled grasslands have disappeared since 1945, many of the older churchyard sites have remained virtually untouched and unchanged for generations, allowing plants to grow and wildlife to flourish alongside historic monuments and memorials - and creating living sanctuaries within the hearts of communities.

Currently celebrating its 15th year as a charity, Caring for God’s Acre not only shares its vision of enhancing and conserving burial grounds, that are often ancient sites full of life and a haven for nature, but also encourages people to think about using these remarkable green spaces for activities and learning.

Churchgoers, cemetery managers, teachers and specialist interest groups have always been key target groups for the charity. But it’s the general public who might now hold the key to the long-term future of burial sites and cemeteries. They are, says the charity, places to go to in search of nature, local history, community involvement, peace, and tranquility.

Caring for God’s Acre has produced this fold-out chart together with the Field Studies Council (FSC) to help people to fully appreciate the unique combination of history and wildlife which coexist in Britain’s churchyards and burial sites.

The guide reveals the plants and animals commonly associated with burial sites, including church and chapel yards, cemeteries and burial grounds of all kinds. Liberally illustrated with images of trees and flowers, fungi, lichens, birds, butterflies, bees, bats and reptiles it is aimed at helping people to learn more about burial grounds and to gain a greater understanding of why they are so important for history and wildlife. The guide also describes where and what to look and listen out for while visiting these peaceful places of remembrance.

The charity Caring for God’s Acre promotes the conservation of burial sites of all kinds, and this special fold-out chart has been produced in support of its work. Copies are priced at just £3 (plus 80p p&p), and can be obtained by emailing info@cfga.org.uk, or writing to Caring for God's Acre at 11 Drovers House, The Auction Yard, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9BZ.

Caring for God’s Acre’s four-year national project has attracted the support of HRH The Prince of Wales, Sir Roy Strong, Professor David Bellamy, Lawrence Banks CBE and the Right Reverend Dr Alan Smith - as well as Heritage Lottery Funding for regional conferences, specialist heritage skills training days, advice materials, and a collection of 15 case studies.

The charity also plans to launch a 30 minutes long DVD - The Beautiful Burial Ground - later this year.

For further details visit http://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk.

Ends

For further information, please contact:Sue CooperTel: 01588-673041Email: sue@cfga.org.uk

or,

Harriet CartyTel: 01588-673041Email: harriet@cfga.org.uk

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 30,000 projects, allocating £4.7 billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk