East Budleigh’s churchyard has won recognition in a Devon-wide competition for creating a haven for wildlife and people.
The Devon branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) launched a competition in the spring to celebrate the central role churches of all denominations play in communities across Devon - as ‘peaceful havens’ for wildlife and people.
East Budleigh’s All Saints Church was identified as joint runner-up with St Andrew’s Church, in Kenn; St Andrew’s Church, in South Tawton, was named winner.
Prizes of £200, plaques, and CPRE membership, were presented by the Archdeacon of Totnes, the Venerable Douglas Dettmer.
Penny Mills. CPRE Devon director, said the competition would return next year.
“Churches and churchyards are islands of sanctuary for people and wildlife in an ever-changing landscape; some haven’t changed for 1,000 years,” she said. “They are unique and special places and we thank everybody who looks after them.
“The purpose of our new competition is to highlight the importance of churchyards and how they can be best looked after.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here