© Andrew Hill (Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0). Kindly recommended by UKCEH.
Synonyms: Crematoria, Burial Grounds, Religious Grounds, Graveyard
Area of open space that is (i) associated with a religious institute and (ii) at least partly vegetated.
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 cremetorium?
- 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
⚠️ Important Note
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" or "good" rating
There are three tests:
- Vegetation structure is 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 contains different plant species that are beneficial for wildlife, for example flowering species providing nectar sources for a range of invertebrates at different times of year.
- Invasive non-native plant species and others which are to the detriment of native wildlife (using professional judgement) cover less than 5% of the total vegetated area (must be 0% to get a 'Good' rating).
If you pass all 3 tests and have 0% on the third test, the condition is 'good'.
If you pass 2 tests, or pass 3 tests but don't get 0% on the third test, the condition is 'moderate'
If you pass 1 or less tests the condition is 'poor'
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.