In January 2020 several dedicated Calstock parishioners in partnership with Calstock Parish Council and the Church engaged in a nationwide Living Churchyard Project, concentrating their efforts on the enchanting old walled churchyard adjacent to the church.

During last summer, swathes of grass and native flowers were allowed to grow and set seed. In some people’s eyes this may have looked untidy but insects and birds loved it and biodiversity was encouraged. In mid-summer a small team of volunteers raked and stacked up the hay after the grass was cut. We shall be repeating this again this year aiming to have grass of different lengths and encouraging patches of nettles which support more than 40 kinds of insects.

In October, in tribute to our local market gardeners and daffodil growers laying at rest in the graveyard, it was felt fitting to plant a variety of Tamar Valley bulbs along the paths in the graveyard. February, after the big freeze and before the heavy rains and with generous funding from the Parochial Church Council, eight locally sourced fruit trees were planted with due observance of lockdown restrictions

As spring approaches the project will continue. A living churchyard means using it; perhaps for storytelling, music, quiet times alone or together watching nature unfold in this very special place.

If you would like to be involved please contact us at Calstock Parish Council clerk@calstockparishcouncil.gov.uk 01822 748847