The quiet nature of churchyards and cemeteries in urban and rural areas often results in them becoming havens for biodiversity. Due to the age of many burial grounds, they may support rare or uncommon plant species. Church buildings, boundary walls and trees can provide roost and nest sites for bats and birds.

Our cemetery teams have already started some great schemes that benefit people and wildlife such as the planting of native memorial trees.

We are trialling biodiversity plans in four of our cemeteries to help protect the trees, hedgerows, lichens and mosses and associated wildlife that has already found a home there. We are also identifying biodiversity improvements that can be made while balancing this with the sensitive needs of our cemetery visitors.

This work is funded by the Scottish Government through the Nature Restoration Fund. This funding allows local authorities to develop new woodlands, hedgerows, wildflower meadows and ponds, as well as restoring and joining together existing natural habitats that are important for wild plants and animals. Nature Networks provide the opportunity to create and improve active travel spaces, mitigate against flood risk, and give spaces for people and communities to enjoy the natural environment. Find out more about Developing Nature Networks.

We would like your views and ideas on these proposals to help us shape the best way forward.

The consultation will close at 9am on Friday 1 March 2024.