Variety of life on show in church graveyard

A bioblitz took place in the grounds of St John’s Church in Les Amballes, with more than 30 people turning out.

It was organised by church warden Sue Germain and Annette Stewart.

Mrs Germain said they were keen to get people using the space, which was a green lung for this corner of St Peter Port.

‘People have been relaxing and enjoying it today,’ she said.

‘I think people are surprised by how much it is.’

Work has been taking place to improve the area’s biodiversity. Pollinator patches have been planted and it is hoped the area will be included in the Pollinator Project’s new bee trail.

Work has taken place to make the cemetery safer for the public, such as using two tonnes of soil to fill in sunken plots.

‘We want people to be able to walk here,’ Mrs Germain said.

With the help of La Societe, sheets were drawn up with details of the types of plants and animals people could see there at this time of year.

Among the people taking part in the day was Kate Corner, with her daughters Elise, 5, and Esther, 2.

This was the first time had visited the graveyard.

‘I think this is a well-organised event,’ she said.

‘They have got sheets they can mark off. They have seen flowers, some insects and spiders.’

Karen Marshall is a cub leader for a St Martin’s group. She was planning to approach St Martin’s Church about making the graveyard a bit more biodiverse.

‘This shows what you can do,’ she said. ‘It’s lovely and so biodiverse.’

Mums Sarah Burchett and Solvita Wallen were there with their children, who were off exploring.

‘For the kids, it’s just brilliant for them to come down and see what’s here,’ said Ms Burchett.

‘It looks incredible with all the flowers. We have been to events at the [nearby] church hall. But we never knew this area was so big.’

Mrs Germain said this was the first time they have opened up the site for a big public event. And following Saturday’s success, she hoped they would do another soon.