All grass cuttings should be removed - delicate flowering plants can be smothered by grass cuttings and they also encourage stronger growing plants at the expense of wild flowers.

Paths and other well-used areas probably need to be mown as often as a lawn.

Grass around infrequently visited gravestones can be cut less often, to a height of about 3 inches (7cm). If possible, do not mow these areas from May to mid-July, to allow a good variety of plants to flower and set seed.

Mown paths through longer areas of grass will guide visitors through the "wildlife areas" and show them that it is part of a properly managed churchyard.

Rarely visited areas could be mown once a year in late September to allow a good variety of plants to grow. Longer areas of grass will be used by breeding 'Brown' butterflies, numerous moths and other creatures and the flowering plants within the grass by many more, making these areas the most productive part of a wildlife churchyard.

Chemicals

Try not to use artificial fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and other chemicals.

Wingrave Churchyard showing different grass lengths

Ivy

Ivy should be left untrimmed where possible. It is one of the main foodplants of the Holly Blue (along with holly). It provides bird nesting sites during March to July and is a late nectar source for butterflies in late summer and autumn.

Stinging Nettles

Stinging nettles in a sunny position could act as the foodplant for Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady or Red Admiral and many moth species.

Planting New Trees

Ideally these should be native trees and planted where they will not shade out wildflower areas in years to come.