What is the Churchyard Project?
The aim of the project is to respectfully restore the churchyard, whilst developing a community friendly, nature area.
The churchyard was in need of some tender, loving care. Over many years it had became more and more overgrown and had become a collecting ground for litter.
In 2019 the Friends of the Old Churchyard Group began the task of clearing the wild undergrowth which had completely covered most of the headstones.
With help, support and advice from The Washington Old Hall Grounds Team, the Clean and Green Team and a number of wonderful volunteers, the Old Churchyard was rediscovered and the task of nurturing the area to be shared and enjoyed by the local community began.
During lockdown many people walked through the churchyard on their daily walks, enjoying the spring flowers which had previously been covered by the undergrowth and being able to read the dedications on the now revealed headstones.
Wildlife conservation
The Old Churchyard is a haven for wildlife and we are extremely conscious of our responsibility towards the environment and nature conservation. Our long term plan is to manage the Old Churchyard, leaving some areas relatively undisturbed in order to encourage the growth of native woodland plants and to develop a variety of habitats for biodiversity, hopefully encouraging an even greater variety of wildlife.
Dead Hedge
The Dead Hedge has been constructed by reusing the materials gathered as a result of clearing and maintaining the churchyard, creating shelter and habitat for wildlife. This will hopefully become a Living Hedge with honeysuckle, wild roses and brambles woven through.
Birdbox
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut eget purus a eros dapibus posuere. Praesent placerat dignissim lectus, nec dapibus augue suscipit ac. Morbi varius vel tortor in euismod. Suspendisse sollicitudin nibh suscipit ipsum fermentum, vel volutpat augue convallis. In et enim lorem.
Bat Box
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut eget purus a eros dapibus posuere. Praesent placerat dignissim lectus, nec dapibus augue suscipit ac. Morbi varius vel tortor in euismod. Suspendisse sollicitudin nibh suscipit ipsum fermentum, vel volutpat augue convallis. In et enim lorem.
Bird Feeders
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut eget purus a eros dapibus posuere. Praesent placerat dignissim lectus, nec dapibus augue suscipit ac. Morbi varius vel tortor in euismod. Suspendisse sollicitudin nibh suscipit ipsum fermentum, vel volutpat augue convallis. In et enim lorem.
Friends of the Old Churchyard aim to meet every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm. New volunteers are always welcome, just come along! For more information, please email office.htcw@gmail.com for the attention of Mary or Jan, or see Holy Trinity Facebook page.
Holy Trinity Church
The Avenue
Washington
Tyne and Wear
NE38 7LE