The winners were announced at the recent RCCE AGM where
representatives from the churches attended to receive their awards and
certificates.
Overall winner this year was the Church of St Mary & St Christopher, Panfield. The judges were impressed with the planting of
flowers and shrubs to attract butterflies and bees and that some areas
are left 'wild' and undisturbed for bugs and insects. Bird and bat boxes
are available around the churchyard to encourage species to set up
nests and special efforts have been made to explain the management of
the churchyard to residents and visitors with noticeboards sited around
the area guiding visitors on what to look for at different times of the
year. The judges were also looking for a balance between encouraging
wildlife and an overall ambience which encourages quiet contemplation
and peacefulness, and felt Panfield had succeeded in achieving this.
The competition is kindly sponsored by Lodge & Sons (Builders)
of Stebbing and Geoff Eveling from Lodge's attended to hand out
certificates and the cash awards. Nick Shuttleworth, RCCE Executive
Director, was 'delighted with the response to the competition which
reflected the diversity of Essex churches and countryside and hopes 2012
will encourage more churches to enter'.
Volunteers at St Nicholas Church, Laindon who won second prize,
have a vast churchyard to manage on the edge of Basildon. Again there
are lots of special efforts made to encourage wildlife into the
churchyard and the bedding areas and planting provide colour and
interest. Well placed seating provides stunning views from the hilltop
out over the south Essex countryside.
Other winners included St Ethelberts and All Saints, Belchamp
Otten, third prize,and St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall and St Mary &
St Clement, Clavering were awarded Highly Commended certificates.
Churches within Essex and the Chelmsford Diocese area are eligible
to enter the competition and this includes areas now considered London
Boroughs. Churchyards in these areas often provide a green haven for
flora and fauna and have added pressures of development and traffic to
contend with. It was pleasing to receive an entry from All Saints
Church, Chingford and award them a 'Best New Entry' certificate.
Application forms for next year's competition will be available in
Spring 2012 and anyone interested in the competition is encouraged to
download the 'Guide to Churchyard Management Plans' available below or
contact Sue Sheppard Tel: 01376 574330 or email:
sue.sheppard@essexrcc.org.uk
GUIDE TO CHURCHYARD MANAGEM PLANS JUL 09.pdf