CARING FOR GOD'S ACRE

Caring for God's Acre (CFGA) is an independent charity (Charity number 1084504) which aims to

"promote the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the natural and built features for churchyards in the Diocese of Hereford for the benefit of isolated and rural communities and for the advancement of education."

CFGA started as an innovative project in 1996 within the Shropshire Hills Countryside Unit (part of Shropshire County Council) to encourage conservation within churchyards and stressing the importance of the churchyard as a centre of historical, ecological and community interest. Involvement within the project was voluntary, with community participants frequently gaining a variety of new skills. It was found that local schools, community groups and others frequently became interested and involved in helping to manage churchyards for their nature conservation potential, forging links between the church and the wider community.

The project was considered so successful that after its first three years the decision was made to:

• Expand it geographically to cover the whole of Hereford Diocese (it must be stressed that participation is open to any churchyard or cemetery, not just the Church of England),
• Expand its remit to include expertise and advice on the historic features of churchyards and on their tourist potential,
• Seek charitable status and raise funds to employ a part-time Project Officer.

Managed by a Board of Trustees, the charity works in partnership with both statutory and voluntary organisations who make up its Steering Group. It has a part-time Project Officer able to offer assistance to anyone with an interest in churchyard or cemetery care and interpretation within the boundaries of Hereford Diocese. Information is imparted through site visits and surveys, information and training days, a specially produced information pack (price £10 including p ostage & packing), a video loan scheme, posters, displays and a bi-annual newsletter ("The Lychgate").

For further information contact: