We have recently been informed that several trees within St Mary’s churchyard require urgent maintenance, and some have been identified as potentially dangerous.

We are already taking action. Applications are being made for the necessary permissions to carry out the appropriate work on each affected tree, and we hope that some of this work can begin within the next week or two.

Safety First

To keep everyone safe, we have made the difficult decision to rope off certain areas of the churchyard and car park. These measures are designed to protect both visitors and vehicles while the required work is planned and completed.

The barriers also highlight a challenge that many people may not realise: maintaining the trees and green spaces within the churchyard comes with significant costs. While we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Friends of St Mary’s, the financial resources available to us are limited, and the scale of the work now required is substantial.

Fundraising Campaign

In response, we are launching a special fundraising appeal dedicated entirely to the care and maintenance of the churchyard and its trees.

This campaign will ensure that every donation made through the appeal is used solely for the upkeep of the churchyard and the ongoing management of its trees. This is a dedicated fund created specifically to address the current situation and help safeguard this important community space for years to come.

Why It Matters

St Mary’s churchyard is more than just the setting for our historic church. It is a treasured green space used and enjoyed by the wider community, providing a peaceful place for reflection, wildlife, and local events throughout the year.

As we prepare to host the Green Fayre and other upcoming community activities, it feels particularly important that we address the environmental responsibilities on our own doorstep. Caring for the churchyard is an investment in the future of this shared space and the people who enjoy it.

This appeal is not intended to replace or compete with the usual giving campaigns that support St Mary’s or the Friends of St Mary’s. Rather, it responds to a unique and urgent need that has arisen and requires immediate attention.

Supporting the Campaign at the Green Fayre

Visitors to the Green Fayre will have opportunities to learn more about the tree works, ask questions, and find out how they can help. QR codes and information about the campaign will be available throughout the event.

We are very grateful to everyone who has already supported this initiative, particularly Sez and the Green Fayre team, who have been hugely understanding and encouraging despite the unfortunate timing of the news.

Temporary Changes to Parking

As one of the most problematic trees is located within the church car park, there may be fewer parking spaces available for a period of time while safety measures remain in place and work is carried out.

If necessary, access may be provided through the Church End gates, although this will not always be possible during events when pedestrian safety must take priority.

How You Can Help

If you value this beautiful green space and would like to help preserve it for future generations, please consider making a donation, sharing information about the campaign, or simply helping us spread the word.

Together, we can turn an unexpected challenge into a positive opportunity to care for one of the village’s most important community assets.