A public footpath runs along the west boundary wall which is currently being monitored as there are some old and large yew trees growing alongside the structure, which may cause problems in the future.
Since November 2016 the maintenance of the churchyard has been done regularly by the Probation Service Community Payback team aided every month by a Churchyard Working Party of volunteers. A lunch of soup, bread and cheese is provided by one of the volunteers and is excellent for fellowship and morale. The success of this venture is evident by the praise given by people walking through the area or visiting graves. Dates for the working party can be found in the weekly news sheet, parish website, and on the notice boards.
Currently, we are re-wilding a section of the churchyard. Re-wilding is a process which aims to assist with restoring nature and increase the numbers of pollinators such as bees and butterflies etc. Re-wilding is a well recognised process and is being publicised extensively through horticultural organisations such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Further information about this topic can be found if you make your way over to the RHS website. Read more
The value of re-wilding has been echoed in an enlightening article authored by Archdeacon Ian Bishop (with acknowledgement to Katy Purvis). If you would like to learn about this then please feel free to follow this link. Bio Diversity
Although this is primarily a sacred churchyard it is none-the-less still an area of natural beauty and like much of the surrounding Cheshire countryside is a precious resource and is something which we need to protect. According to the Climate Change Committee (UK Government established body) we cannot achieve net zero carbon emissions without rewilding.
Follow the link to understand about the work of the Climate Change Committee Read more
However, this must also be balanced against the backdrop of measurable strategies using sustainable and workable planting schemes. The other thing of course is keeping safety requirements in mind to keep those who use the churchyard regularly, safe from potential injury or harm from dangers such as uneven ground, broken up footpaths, tree branches, or unstable grave stones.
St James' Church Christleton has planted two new Hornbeam trees near the vets at Vicars' Cross, Littleton in January 2023. This is to off-set St James' Church carbon footprint for the removal of two trees from the churchyard late last year. It was decided not to plant any new trees in the churchyard due to the problems associated with roots causing footpath movement and damage, and grave disturbance. That is to say we all want lots of trees to help reduce the effects of climate change but as academics and research have rightly pointed out that re-wilding management and practice is also about having the correct balance of tree-life in the right place!
The churchyard has been looking wonderful over the past year. It really is a credit to everyone who has given their time and effort to keep this community amenity looking so fresh and manicured. We could not possibly do this without the regular working parties and of course the Community Payback people.
Even though everyone hoped that we had left this rather dark and terrifying event in the past the fallout of the COVID 19 pandemic continues to wreak its dastardly effects and still throwing up challenges which St James' working party had to overcome. With continued loss of Probation supervisors through either retirement or long-term sickness there have been issues with attendance the Community Payback people could offer. However, we are hopeful that this is something which is now all in the distant past and that they continue providing regular assistance which everyone at St James' Church are so grateful for.
Each and every working party meet is also accompanied by some delicious cakes or brownies which are always popular and really do go down a treat! If you want to enjoy free brownies or cakes and enjoy the outdoors, contribute to your health and share fellowship with other like-minded souls you now know what to do! Simply offer an hour or two in the churchyard. It is very easy. All you need to do is just get in contact with the team!
St James' Church Working Party
We do have the Community Payback people helping us out which is always very welcome. However, due to circumstances beyond our control their availability is irregular. So we could do with some enthusiastic extra pairs of hands. So plese do come along with your own tools if you are able to!
If you or anybody you know would like to volunteer your time during working parties we would be so grateful. Please get in contact with any of the team.
The dates for working parties are available on the noticeboards located around the church. Please also keep an eye on our Whats on page which is our church website calendar.
Working parties are still on-going and are monthly. If you want to Keep up-to-date via our blog simply follow the link:St James' Newsletter blog