St Peter’s churchyard is in the early stages of conservation management, and presently supports the following grassland species to look out for: the damp-loving and delicate cuckoo flower, red campion, comfrey, primrose, garlic mustard, dog’s mercury (an ancient woodland indicator species), lesser celandine, snowdrop, sorrel, red dead-nettle, burdock and lords and ladies.
The strip of sward following the historic line of a path from the disused gate in the north-eastern corner is the most floristically interesting, and here bulbous buttercup, common knapweed and a patch of ox-eye daisy make an appearance.
Polypody fern, germander speedwell, lesser stitchwort and dog violet can also all be discovered on the bordering roadside verges.
The church itself hosts hart’s-tongue fern within buttresses and black spleenwort in the stonework above the stunning Millenium window. Bats are also recorded as roosting in the church, including natterers bats, long-eared bats and the common pipistrelle. In the summer months, the areas of uncut grassland are a productive haven for an array of insects and other invertebrates.
The uniquely located central tower of St. Peter’s is the oldest part of the church and is all that remains of the original Saxon church sited here, the body of the church being rebuilt in the 15th century. Visitors will notice the beautiful ‘Millennium window’ depicting regional wildlife and made by local resident Adam O’Grady, along with the reassembled, but original stained glass windows in the south aisle.
Best time to visit
In order to see the greatest diversity of flora and insect life, visit the churchyard late spring – mid-summer. In order to see the snowdrops, head over from January into early spring.
Associated groups
None
Get involved?
There is potential to get involved with the management of this site. Please contact the warden via the website below:
www.heartofnorfolkchurches.org.uk/our-churches/guestwick
Website
www.heartofnorfolkchurches.org.uk/our-churches/guestwick