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The following is a short summary of the habitat type and how to create/enhance it to a "good" condition. For an informed position, please refer to official up-to-date Government guidance or the UK Government's Condition Assessment Sheet.
Synonyms: Crematoria, Burial Grounds, Religious Grounds, Graveyard
Description: Area of open space that is (i) associated with a religious institute and (ii) at least partly vegetated.
If you wish to select this habitat on a habitat selection screen, it can be found under Urban (see guide).
This habitat is often linked to historic buildings, these sites often provide valuable and scarce habitat for wildlife such as roosts for bats and nesting sites for swifts, and old masonry for wall flora and insects. The coexistence of nature and art in cemeteries and old burial grounds are an example of notable combined historic, cultural and natural resources in towns and cities (Source: Natural England)
Assessment Questions
Is the area in question associated with a church, chapel, other religious institution or a crematorium?
Does the area contain a significant amount of vegetation? This can include grassy areas, trees, shrubs, or flower beds.
If YES, then it is likely 'Urban - Cemeteries and churchyards'
How to Create / Enhance to a "Good" condition
How to create
Cemeteries and churchyard habitat will typically have dual purposes between community function and biodiversity. As such, a competent person should demonstrate an appropriate degree of knowledge in the management of cemeteries and churchyards for biodiversity.
How to get a "moderate" rating
At least two of the following will be true:
Vegetation structure will be varied, providing opportunities for vertebrates and invertebrates to live, eat and breed. A single structural habitat component or vegetation type does not account for more than 80% of the total habitat area.
The habitat parcel will contain different plant species that benefit wildlife. For example, flowering species provide nectar sources for a range of invertebrates at different times of year.
Invasive non-native plant species (as listed on Schedule 9 of WCA1) and others which are to the detriment of native wildlife will cover less than 5% of the total vegetated area.
How to get a "good" rating
All three of the following will be true:
Vegetation structure will be varied, providing opportunities for vertebrates and invertebrates to live, eat and breed. A single structural habitat component or vegetation type does not account for more than 80% of the total habitat area.
The habitat parcel will contain different plant species that benefit wildlife. For example, flowering species provide nectar sources for a range of invertebrates at different times of year.
Invasive non-native plant species (as listed on Schedule 9 of WCA1) and others which are to the detriment of native wildlife will cover 0% of the total vegetated area.
Useful Resources
Guide - Guide for Burial Ground Managers
Historic England - Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
Please note that this is a simple guide to help identify the habitat. For a definitive description, please refer to UKHab documentation. Joe's Blooms takes no responsibility for the content of external links.