Over the past year and a half, Caerphilly Woodlands Trust has been working in partnership with St Michael & All Angels Church, Lower Machen to create something very special, transforming its 11th Century churchyard from a closely mown space into a thriving haven for wildlife, education, and community connection. With grounds untouched by chemicals, fertilisers or pesticides, it was the perfect opportunity to let biodiversity flourish. Together with volunteers, church members, and the wider community, we began shaping a programme that celebrates wildlife, protects rare species, and inspires people of all ages.
What began as a conversation about how best to care for the grounds has grown into a flagship project showing how heritage and biodiversity can flourish side by side. Without the input, expertise and dedication of CWT volunteers, this vision could never have been realised.
From the beginnings … the Launch in 2024
A Heritage Project with Nature at Its Core
Thanks to the fresh perspective introduced by CWT, the church’s conservation project secured vital backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding enabled the repair of the 15th-century bell tower while also supporting a community nature programme designed and delivered with CWT.
The result is a project where history and ecology go hand in hand — preserving heritage while actively protecting and enhancing the churchyard’s unique biodiversity.
Bringing the Grounds to Life
With guidance from CWT, the churchyard now follows a wildlife-friendly mowing plan, allowing wildflowers to flourish where once only short grass survived. Cowslips, red campion, cuckooflower, wild garlic and many lichens are already thriving once more.
A giant bug hotel built from offcuts of wood now welcomes countless minibeasts, while surveys led by CWT have recorded a rich array of species — from house sparrows and hawfinches to noctule bats, ancient yews, and speckled wood butterflies.
Inspiring Schools and the Community
The Faith in Nature project was officially launched with the support of Caerphilly Woodlands Trust’s patron, naturalist and broadcaster Iolo Williams.
Speaking to local schoolchildren, families and community members, Iolo highlighted how churchyards are often overlooked — yet they sit right at the heart of communities.
He reminded us that these spaces should be cherished not only as places of worship and heritage, but also as part of our cultural history and as rare havens where nature can thrive, undisturbed by development and modern pressures.
With his encouragement, the project began its journey with a clear mission: to honour both the deep roots of history and the living richness of nature found in the churchyard.CWT has also ensured the project reaches far beyond conservation. By designing and delivering school sessions and community events, volunteers have inspired local children and families to connect with nature in meaningful ways.
Highlights have included scavenger hunts, bug hotel building, roleplay activities exploring how people use burial grounds, and the popular “Love Your Burial Ground” week, featuring moth trapping, bat detecting, and hands-on wildlife discovery.
Recognised as Bee Friendly
The success of the project has already been recognised nationally, with the churchyard achieving official “Bee Friendly” status. This award celebrates the pollinator-friendly habitats created under CWT’s guidance and highlights the project as a model of how small community spaces can make a big difference for biodiversity.
Looking Ahead
The work doesn’t stop here. With ongoing surveys planned for each season and more activities lined up, CWT volunteers will continue to support monitor, educate, and inspire.
This project proves what’s possible when heritage and nature come together — and when a small community is supported by the skills, passion and commitment of Caerphilly Woodlands Trust.
To capture the achievements so far, a detailed progress report was compiled by one of our CWT volunteers on behalf of St Michael & All Angels Church. This record not only demonstrates the biodiversity gains but also ensures the project’s story is shared with funders, schools, and the wider community.
