Sites
Both sites mentioned in this case study are featured on our ‘Burial Ground to Inspire’ map: Bethel Chapel (https://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/churchyard/6522/) and Christ Church (https://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/churchyard/christ-church-lothersdale/), Lothersdale, N Yorks.
Background
Lothersdale is a peaceful rural village follows along the line of a picturesque beck and its valley, overlooked by farmsteads on the hills. The Pennine Way cuts across Lothersdale and the village contains many historical buildings such as an extensive mill and Quaker House, and including the former Methodist Bethel Chapel (now under private ownership) and Christ Church, the parish church of Lothersdale.
Aim
Both sites appeared to have the remnants of stunning, species-rich burial grounds but that were cut before they could fulfil their potential. The local community environmental group, Wild About Lothersdale, approached the Bethel Chapel owners and parish church council, to ask if unused and quiet sections of the burial grounds could be left uncut, to allow native flora to develop, flower and then set seed. The aim was to identify the species prevalent, increase wildlife biodiversity, and collect seed to distribute to other locations within Lothersdale and offer to other community groups.
Step 1
Permissions were sought from Bethel Chapel owners and parish church council. Wildflower plots were signposted, using art from resident school children. Plots were then left uncut from April to September to see which existing species flowered. These included both Common-spotted and Northern Marsh orchids. The plots were mown and hay taken to remove nutrients.
Step 2
To improve floral diversity further, yellow rattle was sown at both sites. The seed was collected from this and other species and given free to village residents who wanted to create plots in their own gardens, verges and fields. Seeds were also given to community village groups further afield: Addingham Environmental Group, Bradley in Bloom, Gargrave Wildlife Group.
Christ Church hosted a ‘Count for Nature’ event in July 2021, to identify bird, butterfly, fungi and flower species present.
Step 3
The charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, also received seed and kindly funded the cutting and removal of hay at the end of the season at both sites.
Conclusions and Next Steps
Since the partnership began 3 years ago, both Bethel Chapel and Christ church have become important community assets for users and village residents. We now supply donor seed to local community groups and charities.
We have created a ‘Wildflower Walks in Lothersdale’ leaflets that incorporate visits to Bethel Chapel and Christ Church, Lothersdale.
Christ Church, Lothersdale was a finalist in CPRE 2021 Wildlife Churchyard of North Yorkshire.
Published articles of local fauna and flora in local publications, parish magazine and CfGA nature notes.
CfGA, Bethel Chapel and Christ Church, Lothersdale were all instrumental in the Wild About Lothersdale community group winning the 2021 Greener Craven category in the Craven Community Champions Awards.
Further Information
Thanks to Bethel Chapel owners, Christ Church parish council, Wild About Lothersdale volunteers, Lothersdale Parish Council, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and Cowling Compact Tractor Services.
Short film about Wild about Lothersdale group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLmQ9A34WY0
