From Saturday, June 8th to Sunday, June 16th, communities across the UK came together to celebrate Love Your Burial Ground Week, Churches Count on Nature, and National Cemeteries Week. This year saw over 350 events organised, each highlighting the unique blend of history, nature, and community found in our local churchyards and cemeteries.
A Week Full of Activities
The week’s events were as diverse as they were engaging, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. History enthusiasts enjoyed memorial and history tours, uncovering the stories and heritage preserved in our churchyards. Nature lovers participated in activities like nature bingo and bat walks, discovering the rich biodiversity that thrives in these serene spaces.
Media Spotlight
The events attracted significant media attention, with over 20 radio stations featuring interviews throughout the week. Harriet Carty, Director of Caring for God’s Acre took centre stage when she appeared on BBC Sunday Morning Live. Harriet was invited to discuss the importance of wildlife recording in churchyards and cemeteries and how people can be involved. If you missed Harriet’s appearance, you can still watch the program here, with Harriet’s segment starting at 29:10 minutes.
It’s Easy to be Involved!
One of the key messages Harriet wanted to get across is that everyone can participate, even if there’s no event near you. Simply take a stroll through your local churchyard or cemetery and take note of the wildlife you see or hear. Whether it’s a colourful butterfly, a busy bee, or a majestic tree, every observation counts and contributes to a larger picture of our natural heritage.
For more information on how to record wildlife and submit your observations, visit our wildlife recording page. You’ll find resources and tips to help you get started, along with details on how to be involved throughout the year.
Join Us Next Year
Love Your Burial Ground Week is an annual celebration, and we look forward to even more events and participation next year. Stay updated by visiting our Love Your Burial Ground Week page for the latest news and information.
Thousands of wildlife records have been sent in for the week and, once we have collated these, we will post the findings here on the blog.
By coming together to explore and record the wildlife and history in our local burial grounds, we not only celebrate their beauty but also contribute to their preservation for future generations.
Thank you to everyone who participated, sent in photos, and helped make this week a success!
