WILDLIFE is finding a much-needed haven in churchyards across the county, as revealed by the results of this year’s living churchyard competition. Dorset Wildlife Trust judges, who visited 25 churchyards over the summer, were impressed by the many ways that people are making wildlife welcome in both town and country, more vital than ever now with threats from development and climate change.

Sharron Abbott, living churchyard project co-ordinator at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “We were immensely impressed by the work of the dedicated bands of people managing their churchyards for wildlife, as well as for the local community and visitors. “All our judges were bowled over, not only by the fantastic drifts of wildflowers and other wildlife-friendly features, but also by the enthusiasm of the groups to improve their efforts year on year.”

Living churchyards, sponsored by the Diocese of Salisbury, encourages local communities to manage their churchyards for the benefit of wildlife as well as the local congregation, visitors and the bereaved. Ways in which churchyards can be enhanced for wildlife include developing small areas of mown grass into mini-wildflower meadows, replacing exotic shrubs with native species and planting nectar-rich flowers to encourage insects.

Sharron added: “I hope that other parishes will read about the competition and decide to join the scheme. “Congratulations to the winners, and heartfelt thanks to all who entered for their efforts, which make a real difference to their local wildlife.”

This year’s winners:

• Bishop’s Prize (overall winner): St James, Milton Abbas

• Best newcomer: St Peter, Portesham

• Best urban churchyard: St John the Baptist, Moordown, Bournemouth

• Best managed: St Mary, Beaminster To find out more about the scheme ring 01305 264620 or visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/lc