At a recent eco group meeting, attended by churchyard volunteers, discussions revolved around various sustainability initiatives at All Saints, Ripley. Notable updates included the replanting of the 'Quiet Garden' planters with sensory plants and concerns about a re-emerging 'dumping ground' near the compost bins. The need for enhanced signage and the potential addition of a bug hotel to enrich the wildlife experience were considered. Ideas were also shared regarding the fallen Copper Beech Tree stump, with a suggestion of the introduction of native primroses and proposing native daffodils for specific areas. Additionally, Isabel raised the possibility of involving Ripley School's Eco-group in future churchyard activities.

A subsequent meeting with Kirsty and Chris from NYCC's Parks and Ground team delved into the broader Cayton Parish eco project. Recommendations included coordinating churchyard management, encouraging Funeral Directors to remove grave spoil, and exploring suitable tree species. For St Andrews, Burnt Yates, discussions centered on addressing moss on paths and options for the problematic 'dump.' Practical solutions such as seeding and benches were suggested, and Chris offered a chemical-free moss treatment for paths.

At St John’s Bishop Thornton, the eco committee explained the unique arrangement with older graves located in a separate site surrounding the Old Tower, a few fields away. Commending the extensive rewilding efforts in deep borders, Kirsty and Chris proposed replacing dying trees with native species and discussed leaving certain areas uncut to foster biodiversity. The idea of retaining long grass in certain sections, discouraging parking on boggy grass, harkened back to historical practices.

These meetings underscored the importance of collaboration, mindful maintenance, and community engagement, highlighting the eco committee's commitment to sustainable practices across the parish's churchyards.