Garden

The garden and churchyard of St John’s has been especially managed to be both a peaceful place for people to enjoy and a rich habitat for wildlife.

St John’s engaged the local community in a self-help planting scheme that delivered a wildlife friendly hedge on the north side of St John’s churchyard. It also encouraged community fruit and vegetable gardening in the local area, as well as the creation of a wild meadow. Specific planting around the church provide was initiated during the scheme to particularly provide habitat for wildlife.

This garden management approach is part of the church’s on-going commitment to care for the environment and enrich the area for the local community and beyond. It also supports the church’s goal of attaining an Eco Church award. Happily, the garden is also now enjoyed by passers-by and those visiting St John’s. It also attracts and provides safe haven for wildlife.

The commitment to wildlife continues atop the church’s tower where swift nesting boxes have been installed to help this species of bird, which is currently in decline.