Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

Within the cemetery are a variety of planted trees, both native and non-native. These include many mature fruit trees such as cultivated apple and cherry, as well as native species such as silver birch and a selection of exotics. A closer look at the sward is needed to reveal its composition. The short turf is moderately rich in wildflowers, and there are some less managed areas particularly to the north and west where grassland fungi and hedgerow flora can be seen.One of the characteristics of this place is the quantity of bird's-foot trefoil. This delightful member of the pea family is typical of short grass, and is able to produce its yellow and orange flowers so close to the ground that they escape the lawn mower. Also common here are meadow and creeping buttercups, oxeye daisy, yarrow, common knapweed, selfheal and autumn hawkbit, common but attractive plants which, if allowed to flower, can provide colour from spring through to autumn. A few primroses grow in the far northeast corner and these are most-likely remnants of the former landscape; nearby hedges along the boundaries of the cemetery contain fine old oaks, which must pre-date the graves. The hedges also contain hawthorn, blackthorn, elder, elm and holly. Common dog-violet and bugle in the bottom of the hedge have extended out into the grassland. The attractive purple flowers of the former, like many woodland plants, appear early in the spring, while bugle flowers later.The well-maintained allotments sit amongst a range of semi-natural habitats, including scrubby and shady marginal areas, standing decaying timber, rough grassland, and clumps of tall flowers. The area is rich in grasshoppers.

Facilities

Car parking; Information; toilet; sculptures/ monuments.