Thousands of wildlife records submitted as part of popular nature initiative

Earlier this year, communities across the UK came together to celebrate Love Your Burial Ground Week, National Cemeteries Week, and Churches Count on Nature 2025, a joint initiative promoted by Caring for God’s Acre, the Church of England, the Church in Wales, and A Rocha UK.

Many participants explored their local burial grounds, recording the wildlife they discovered. Some used the free online platform iNaturalist, which helps users identify species and contribute valuable records, while others submitted their findings by email or post.

This year’s celebrations were a wonderful success, highlighting the rich biodiversity found in burial grounds, from rural churchyards to city cemeteries. Nearly 380 events took place across the country, engaging an estimated 6,000+ people of all ages. Activities ranged from self-guided nature walks to expert-led sessions.

Together, participants submitted an impressive 8,668 wildlife records, representing 1,670 species.

• Top 5 plant species: Oxeye Daisy, Ribwort Plantain, Common Daisy, Ivy, and Nettle
• Top 5 bird species (out of 80): Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit, and Wren
• Top 5 invertebrates (out of 457): Harlequin Ladybird, 7-spot Ladybird, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Meadow Brown, and Swollen-thighed Beetle

While these are all common species, they remain vital indicators of ecological health and are the perfect gateway for anyone beginning their journey into nature observation.

85 people took part in our online evaluation for Love Your Burial Ground Week and Churches Count on Nature 2025. Highlights include:

• 64% of respondents were taking part for the very first time.
• On a satisfaction scale of 1–5, 69% gave the top score of 5, and 98% rated their experience 4 or 5. No one rated their experience as a 1.
• 58% reported that attendees came from outside their usual community, showing how these events help open up churchyards and burial grounds to new visitors.

Quotes from participants who were asked to tell us their own personal highlights include:

• “Being joined by a young man who, though registered blind, became our bird spotter by sound and enjoyed nature through touch and smell.”
• “Welcoming new people to our group, including help from a member of the congregation who studied botany at university!”
• “Seeing intergenerational exploration and teaching, with elderly members of the congregation engaging with children and telling them about different species.”
• “A good reminder for us to stop, observe, and appreciate the nature right on our doorstep.”
• “It was lovely and sunny - a peaceful time when we were each in our own world, but all focused on one thing.”

Reflecting on the success of the week, Dr Julia Edwards, Director of Climate Change for the Church in Wales, said:

“Churchyards are wonderful havens for wildlife, and Churches Count on Nature 2025 has yet again provided us with a fun and accessible way to explore and learn about the many different plants and animals to be found there.

I do hope the survey results will encourage us all to enjoy the diversity and tranquillity of our churchyards while cherishing and protecting these unique environments for generations to come.”

This year’s results were a celebration not only of biodiversity, but of community, discovery, and shared wonder. Thank you to everyone who took part in helping us cherish and protect these special spaces for both people and nature.