
Holy
Trinity Churchyard was created in 1848 when the church was built.
Previously it is understood to have been allotments. It is bounded
largely by brick and brick and flint walls; those on the north
side being Grade II listed. A number of trees were planted originally,
notably three Cypress trees and silver birches, also limes, hornbeam
and yews behind the church and two "Trees of Heaven",
a whitebeam, copper beech, walnut and rowans in front.
|

|
Since 1995 the churchyard
has been managed for wildlife. Although the management is not
officially within the ambit of Henley Wildlife Group, the manager
is a member of the Group which, thus, has an interest. Advice
from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust indicated the
need for little change from the existing mowing regime (largely
dictated by available manpower!). Close cut areas are maintained
next to the building, along the North boundary and to access
paths. Other areas are cut less frequently and the remainder
once a year in rotation, thus diversifying habitats for wildflowers,
insects and animals.
A very chalky subsoil results in a rich flora.
Floral surveys conducted by Roy Maycock for BBOWT in 1992 and
by Linda Carter in 1999 listed 150 wildflowers and over 60 "species
usually found near habitation"and cultivars. Two species
of fungi, rare in Oxfordshire, have been found by Professor Richard
Fortey. To mark the Millennium a small "quiet garden" was
formed in an unconsecrated area, part of which is given over
to wildflowers not otherwise present in the churchyard.
Consequent upon the rich flora, many species
of butterfly are present; some 19 to 21 are regularly recorded
in annual returns to Butterfly Conservation which advises this
is one of the greatest number from churchyard returns in Berks,
Bucks & Oxon.
Birdlife is also plentiful. Green and Greater
spotted woodpeckers and Spotted flycatchers are seen as well
as the now less common song thrush, also wrens and long tailed
tits. Mammals are present including foxes, a badger, muntjac
deer and hedgehogs. |