(01224)485988

office@stmachar.com

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Biodiversity Project

St Machar Community Biodiversity Project

‘We strive to safeguard the integrity of creation  and sustain and renew the life of the earth’ 

This quotation comes from the Church of Scotland’s Five Marks of Mission: Read more here

Project Aims

This community project aims to increase the biodiversity in the kirkyard whilst balancing the differing needs of wildlife, families tending graves, and visitors to the Cathedral.   

It encourages community engagement with nature and the built heritage of Old Aberdeen, providing opportunities for family history exploration and learning opportunities for all ages.

Visiting the Kirkyard

The grounds are open daily for exploring family history or reflection. There are various leaflets about the graveyard available free of charge inside the Cathedral. 

Family events are organised in the summer months. See What’s On . 

Guided Tours around the graveyard can be arranged on request.  

If you require further help with family history please email the archivist at office@stmachar.com.

Maintenance Strategy

Aberdeen City Council Bereavement Services maintain the Cathedral Kirkyard. The Project’s Steering Group liaises with them regularly to plan the grass cutting and grounds maintenance strategy to enable different habitats to prosper in the kirkyard. Some grassy areas, such as at the East End, are only cut at the end of the season whereas other areas are kept short and more formal.  

Volunteers from the community work to keep extending the variety of planting in the grounds. They add bulbs, native wildflowers, herbs and some non-native perennials in designated areas to provide cover and nectar throughout the year. A Thyme border beside the main path to the Cathedral has been planted for pollinators. 

The group seeks to encourage the City Council to reduce their use of herbicides  and to provide information about caring for nature to visitors. 

 

Schools and Groups

For school classes and groups there are Biodiversity Workshops that can be pre-booked. These range from Tree Identification to Pollinator Friendly Crafts and can be adapted for all ages. Contact education@stmachar.com 

Volunteering Opportunities

There are many ways that you can be part of this project. Leave a small area of your own lawn to grow long or plant some pollinator friendly plants in a window box. If you want to find out more come along to one of our gardening sessions or enquire about the Steering Group. Contact education@stmachar.com 

Gardening sessions

Join our friendly community gardening group that meets regularly on a Saturday morning throughout the growing season. This group maintains the planting in borders and lairs. They have added nectar and colour by planting Thyme, spring bulbs, perennials and native wildflowers. They tidy up the borders and enjoy a warm drink and a chat in the Gatehouse meeting room. No experience necessary and tools and gloves are provided. 

Steering Group

Join us. Are you passionate about protecting nature and becoming more sustainable? Do you have ideas for family friendly events or fundraising opportunities? An interest in fauna and flora? Our quarterly meetings are informal and our group is made up of local people who are keen to promote biodiversity.  

office@stmachar.com
01224 485988
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Opening Hours
1 April to 31 October
Monday - Saturday

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

1 November to 31 March
Monday - Saturday

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sunday

12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Services at 11am & 6pm

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  • The Cathedral Church of St Machar
  • The Chanonry
  • Aberdeen
  • AB24 1RQ
  • Scotland
Wheelchair Accessible
© Copyright St Machar's Cathedral
Scottish Charity Number: SC008157
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