The Church has been exquisitely decorated for tomorrow’s service and for the Hyssington Open Gardens. It looks and smells gorgeous.
I have written a few lines to introduce people to the Churchyard which is also looking great in the early summer.
The Churchyard
Burial grounds in Britain are really important as they have escaped the damage inflicted by agricultural pesticides and fertilisers. The yew trees are more than a thousand years old and were probably planted when the Saxons first established the church. The oak by the style is also around a the same age.
Paths are cut through the abundant flower meadows allowing the bulk of the churchyard to prosper free from the tyranny of the strimmer. In winter the snowdrops are everywhere. Then come the delicate white violets. By June the oxe eye daisies will be in full bloom as will 59 other species of wildflower.
Look too at the ancient lichens on the tombstones that have been allowed to flourish. Enjoy the butterflies and wait around until dusk to watch the bats in this beautiful, natural paradise.
Please take a look at the picture book illustrating four seasons in the St Etheldreda’s Churchyard.
