1. We opened with in prayer.

2. Present: Neville Atkinson, Julia Roe, Mike Sewell, Tina McGrath, Edward Smith, Alan Lindsay,

Kathryn McKendrick-Smith, Karen Evans, Isabel Paton, Linda Boon

3. Apologies: Caroline Smith, Sylvia Loxley, Sylvia Stoffel, Margaret Davis

4. Updates

a. Congratulations to Mike on completing the Silver Eco Church training scheme

b. The submitted Siver Eco Church award submitted by Mike was sent back as it

contained too much evidence that related to the other churches. This seems a

blessing in disguise as we can now submit an application for Cayton Parish as a

whole. This requires us to complete 3 sections for the whole parish (worship and

teaching, community and global engagement, lifestyle) and each of the five churches

must complete separately the other 2 sections (buildings, land). Mike and Linda will

complete the 3 common sections and the 2 sections on buildings and land for All

Saints Ripley. Linda asked for volunteers to complete the 2 parts for the other

churches. Alan said he would do St Michael’s Markington.

c. Sylvia Loxley reports good progress on the possibility of having livestock crop the

paddock at St Andrews, although some secure fencing would be required. Also local

farmers have agreed to help remove ‘the dump’ at St Andrew’s and once effected,

the group can help St Andrew’s create a pleasant seating area for reflection in it’s

place.

d. Lady Emma and Sir Thomas Ingleby plan to manage their private grave plot more

sustainably so as to increase the biodiversity. Hopefully this will give an example and

act as an encouragement.

5. What do we do next?

a. We agreed previously that with all the other projects taking place at All Saints, it

would make sense to begin there and link into other funding bids.

b. Linda agreed to look into funding sources for conservation signage, which could add

to the funding bids being raised at Ripley.

c. Karen suggested creating butterfly refuges for all the churchyards and some bug

hotels. An article from the RHS Garden magazine was shared. Alan suggested

another workshop in August – Saturday 15 th August. I have checked that this date is

free of weddings and make a booking in church desk (1-4pm). Please comment on

this timing.

d. We also decided to set a churchyard taskforce day for Saturday 12 th October. We

will get as many volunteers as possible and tackle as many churchyards as we can for

Autumn clear ups. (Other dates around this time could be identified by small groups

of volunteers, perhaps during the week).

e. At the recent World Environment Day, Bishop Anna was encouraging but also spoke

of the timescales involved in churchyard conservation work. Kathryn picked up on

this and suggested we create some milestones to help people manage expectations

(but also to be clear about our aspirations). Kathryn will scope these out.

f. Further to the above, Linda will source a notebook for each church building where

‘nature notes’ can be recorded, especially flora and fauna, with dates. This will help

us measure any increase in biodiversity.

g. At the end of the meeting, we surveyed the flora at St John’s (see notes at end).

6. Other issues raised:

a. Having noted at the last meeting that The Old Church Tower and Churchyard at

Bishiop Thornton could also be part of the Eco-group’s remit, Margaret Davis has

pointed out there is some ambivalence about responsibilities. The churchyard is now

the responsibility of the County Council but the church retains some rights and

responsibilities. Margaret is looking into this.

b. Edward shared a picture from his own wedding at St John’s from the 80s. The

churchyard had long grass and wildflowers. This was the old tradition (as confirmed

by Neville) of which people can be gently reminded.

c. Edward also shared a picture of a sign in a church he visited which explained their

mowing regime. We thought we could replicate this.

Not discussed but held over from last meeting:

d. Some clarity is still needed regarding responsibilities of the Eco-group for the overall

vision for churchyard management and the practical implementation of

maintenance tasks.

e. The hedgelings, from the Woodland Trust need a home and planting out in the

Autumn. A possibility is the Inglby Graveyard at Ripley. Tina and Linda to investigate.

St John’s Churchyard – the ‘wild’ borders:

Trees: Elder, Scots Pine, Beech, Sycamore, Oak

Hedging: Hawthorn, Holly

Shrubs: Brambles, Scottish Thistles

Flowers/Plants: Herb Robert, Primula, Speedwell, Cow Parsley, Foxfgloves, Daisies, Nettles, Docks, Sticky-Jack, Buttercup