Our centuries old church yard in the heart of Old Felixstowe is to begin a new season of growth with plans to manage and develop it to ensure it remains a welcoming and environmentally friendly space.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Old Felixstowe can trace its roots back over 800 years, but the churchyard is being developed and managed with the guidance of experts.
Earlier this year we asked the professionals at Caring For God’s Acre to help us make a plan to manage the churchyard and ensure it is kept it at the heart of this community.
“ Churchyards are true havens for wildlife, containing species which were once much more common ’ said Harriet Carty, Director of God’s Acre, a charity specialising in working with churchyards. “ Conservation management is about active management … we have drawn up a plan appropriate to St Peter and St Pauls Church that is realistic for their resources, and will be welcomed and valued by the community. ”
Managing the grass areas, making the paths more accessible, attracting wildlife, helping the environment, and encouraging new species are all important steps.
As part of this project the church will also be undertaking work on the thirty-year-old Garden Of Remembrance to make it easier to maintain, and meet the future needs of the Parish.
What Work Will Take Place In The Garden Of Remembrance ?
Keeping the garden a special place to remember our loved ones is very important to us all, so we have decided to undertake work that will both make the garden simpler to maintain, and allow us to meet the needs of our parish into the future.
It is essential for you to know this work will be undertaken in the most respectful way possible; please be reassured that internments will not be disturbed, and none of the memorial plaques will be touched or moved.Our plans have all the necessary permissions from the various authorities, meaning we can now share them fully with you; there are three main elements;
The proposal has three main elements;
- Extending the Garden by 2m to the east, adding approximately 44 m2 to the Garden, The existing Vibernum hedge border will be removed, and the new border created by a new, native hedge mix
- Replacing the old weed resistant membrane with a new heavy-duty membrane, and a new planting scheme
- Creating a new grassed area in the extended area under which new internments can take place without affecting the membrane and plants, and a new area for personal memorials such as benches and rose bushes.
The Churchyard
We will also be doing work in The Churchyard creating an improved environment for wildlife; this will include ‘dead hedges’ and a water source, We will also be tidying flower beds around the church building, building two large compost bins and a new ‘tidy’ area for watering cans.
When Will The Work Start ?
We expect that work will commence in the Garden Of Remembrance on Monday January 6th 2025 (subject to the weather) and estimate it will take three weeks. During that time, for safety reasons, the Garden Of Remembrance will be closed to all visitors.
How Can I Get Involved And Stay Up To Date ?
In the wider churchyard we would love people to get involved and help us bring these plans to life, there are some wonderful gardeners in Old Felixstowe, and we would welcome anyone who would like to join in the work in the churchyard – you don’t need green fingers, just willing hands.
Our team of parish volunteer gardeners meet in the churchyard at 9.30 am on alternate Thursday mornings to bring the plans to life.
For more information and to stay updated on progress please visit our website or follow us on Facebook.
With best wishes,
Chris