The active churchyard at St John’s, Rowlands Castle is rich in biodiversity with over 60 plants and many accompanying bumblebees and insects. The survey concentrated on the plants in the grasslands around the graves and noted the butterflies while on site. It is species-rich because it has been traditionally managed without weedkillers or pesticides and forms a relict historical grassland indicated by such plants as Betony (Stachys officinalis). The National Vegetation Classification closely resembled an MG5 Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra grassland. This type of grassland is becoming increasingly rare due to agricultural improvement although it is still widespread. There were many bumblebees, as expected in a flowery meadow. Allowing the grass to grow longer has attracted a lot of grasshoppers and other insects and 7 types of butterflies have been seen so far.
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The Oak tree is probably over 150 years old and forms a very special feature with a mini-woodland habitat. These include Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and Primroses (Primula vulgaris) and some Bush Vetch (Vicia sepia) which are all ancient woodland indicators. The areas adjacent to the hedges are a valuable habitat too. N.B. All the pictures were taken for the survey in the graveyard
Summary Recommendations:
- Collecting or raking up all the cuttings is important to avoid increasing the fertility which will lead to more coarse grass and fewer flowers.
- Ideally all the west side of the grassland would be left to grow long and cut in September or October. Any graves are cut short where relatives request it.
- The grass is kept short on the east side due to newer graves. The area near the compost heap, containing Betony and Devil?s-bit Scabious should be left to flower between July and October to provide colour and nectar.
- The mini-woodland area under the Oak tree should continue to be left uncut as long into the summer as possible.
- Leave patches of flowers for nectar when the rest is cut short.
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