Caring for God’s Acre

During the past year we have all become better acquainted with our surroundings, whether being confined to gardens or taking our daily stretch of permitted exercise. I’m sure many will have been inspired by seeing more of the natural world and now have a heightened awareness of the passing of the seasons.

I am inviting you to take a closer look at some of the species that have made Oxford their habitat. Churches Count on Nature is an event promoted by Caring for God’s Acre, taking place over a week. Local people are asked to discover the wildlife in their churchyard and record their findings.

St Mary’s and St. Michael’s Northgate are very lucky to be custodians of one of Oxford’s most interesting burial grounds. The historian AL Rowse wrote of Holywell Cemetery ‘Quiet, a blessed stillness, only Sunday sounds …. one would never have believed what treasures there are within – the whole of Victorian Oxford leaps to the eye from headstone to headstone. Town and gown are gathered here, with 160 dons lying alongside shopkeepers and tradespeople - Boffin the baker, Slater the boatbuilder, Mallam the auctioneer, Payne the jeweller and Blackwell the bookseller. Their final resting place is providing a wonderful environment for flora and fauna. It might be said that those long gone are ensuring the continuation of the living world.

By collecting a record of this we will be supplying the National Biodiversity Network with valuable information.  This database is the first step towards being able to protect many species. If you would like to join in we are holding a nature count on Sunday 6th June between 2.30 -5pm. We have some field guides and magnifying glasses, but do feel free to bring along any equipment you have and identification books. Please contact Sarah Ockwell: admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk if you would like to come along.

Tess Blenkinsop

Reflections on a graveyard

When after life’s long loud clamor
I lie at peace in the dark, quiet soil
I will not hear the continuum of that concert.

I will not hear the birds on the bouncing boughs
As they carouse with choral choruses.
I will not hear the scurrying of purposeful creatures
As they busy themselves with their quick business.
I will not hear the ivy climb, rustling
As it covers the sentinel stone above me.

But I will be at peace, in God’s peace.
The peace of that congregation of eternal life.
That same force which colours, shapes, fills this present world.