Doddington Churchyard Maintenance - Churchyards are now recognised as providing relatively undisturbed habitats where plants and animals of various types can flourish, safe from formal neatness and the herbicides and pesticides that often threaten their survival. In this respect, churchyards are similar to motorway verges and railway track sides but much more peaceful.
   Our policy for the churchyards is as follows: First we attempt to mow regularly the grass areas immediately next to the church and the route from the side gate round the north side. We also maintain the approaches to the more frequently visited graves. Most of the remainder is allowed to grow until the end of July.
   These un-mown areas will still be managed, because this is what conservation implies. They will be cleared just once a year, after plants have been allowed to set seed, sometime in July/August/September. Some smaller areas may be left uncut for longer periods to encourage different forms of wild life. The grass around the newer graves and the plots for cremated remains are regularly cut.
   Our object is to make the churchyard a place full of life and interest. We want to encourage everyone to appreciate the wilder areas, the exciting succession of plants, the appearance of rare species and the fact that we are providing a safe haven for many small animals. You can see further information about this by visiting the display inside the church, including awards presented to the church for our wildlife conservation.