Nature And Landscape

Churchyard Biodiversity and Heritage Project

Aims: a. Equip at least 50 Coventry & Warwickshire Anglican churches to maximise their churchyards’ potential for biodiversity, heritage, well-being & food security. b. Engage non-church people in managing churchyards. c. Broaden access for under-represented & less able groups & people from all economic & social backgrounds. d. Contribute to the national conversation about the role of local people & small organisations in mitigating the species & climate crisis. The need: Natural habitats and biodiversity is declining. Church communities are serious about achieving Net Zero by 2030 (the Church of England’s target) & engaging with their communities, but lack the necessary funds, skills & volunteer capacity. 70 church communities have committed to participating located in the Diocese of Coventry in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. In a survey, participating churches told us that: - the top six ‘extremely important’ activities are: special events; on-site information; guided trails; nature surveys; school visits; social media communication. - the top 10 ‘extremely important’ learning & skills needed are: preparing churchyard management plans; community engagement/ communication; managing existing habitats; creating new habitats; encouraging volunteers. Outcomes: a. 100s of new participants engaged in volunteering from a range of socio-economic & ability profiles who feel more connected to nature & local heritage. b. Three project partners and 50 communities will be better resourced, more resilient & better informed. c. 300,000 square metres of churchyard improved. d. 25,000 weekly visitors engaged. e. Access barriers addressed in 30 churchyards. f. Vulnerable/ marginalized groups engaged in 20 communities. g. Communities feel more proud of where they live & more connected to others. h. Churchyards will be more attractive & used more often. i. Existing & new Friends groups supported. j. Activities to embed learning locally & nationally.