A HIDDEN graveyard in Stratford is set to be transformed into a wildlife haven.
Councillor Cohl Warren-Howles recognised the potential of the neglected churchyard at the St Peter’s Church site near Birmingham Road – now redeveloped for housing – and is spearheading plans to develop it into a wildflower meadow.
Coun Warren-Howles told the Observer: “Churchyards are often areas of ground that have remained uncultivated for years, and as such they have the potential to be havens for wildlife, where plants and animals can thrive amongst the graves and monuments.. Wild flower meadow provide shelter and food for important pollinators including bees. The more diversity we have in our natural habitats, then the more bees, birds, animals and other insects there will be.
“As St Peters is in Avenue ward, which is my ward, and being an environmentalist at heart, I thought that it would be a wonderful idea to develop St Peters graveyard into a wildlife meadow, creating a habitat for bee, butterflies, bats and other small creatures.”
The project was granted permission by Coventry Diocese and Stratford Town Council
The Avenue Ward councillor also called on botanist Catherine Coton, who manages conservation efforts at St James’ churchyard in Alveston, as well as Avenue residents Simon Ansell and Maureen Pekenc.
Volunteers, including families and children, finally met at the graveyard on Saturday (September 5) after the lengthy lockdown period kept plans at bay. The group explored the area and discussed the first steps to getting the project off the ground.
The first working party is set to take place next month.
