Signs of care – not neglect!

By popular request, Caring for God’s Acre has produced some signs for churchwardens to use in their churchyards.

They are designed to go next to areas that are being left to grow long and flowery – and therefore bio-diverse - in the summer months.

Churchyards are often the oldest enclosed spaces in a community and host grassland that has remained relatively undisturbed for centuries. The gradual, natural re-seeding over time has given rise to a diverse ecosystem of grasses, flowers, and animals. This ancient, unimproved grassland, once abundant across the UK, has now become a rarity. We have lost 97% since the second world war.

Allowing certain sections of our churchyards to grow freely during the summer months allows the flowers to bloom once more. However, it is important to inform visitors why we are leaving the grass to grow long to prevent any unnecessary concern. We need to let them know that it is about active management – not neglect!

There are six signs to choose from, in English and English/Welsh. To access them, ready to print off, people need to visit the webpage below and name their churchyard. This helps CfGA track where great work is taking place!

https://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/free-meadow-management-sign/