Church Heritage Cymru

Church Heritage Cymru 4626

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St Basil, Bassaleg

Name:

The name or dedication of the church.

St Basil, Bassaleg
Record Type:

This identifies the church type. Most churches are parish churches which means they serve a specific parish or area. Other types such as chapel, daughter and mission are mostly historic designations as many are now also parish churches. Please note that former churches are no longer used for worhsip and may be in private ownership.

Parish Church
Church code:

A unique identification number given to every church.

4626
Diocese:

The name of the diocese in which the church is located.

Monmouth
Archdeaconry:

The name of the archdeaconry in which the church is located.

Newport
Parish:

This is the legal name of the parish as given by the Church Commissioners.

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Statutory Designation Information

Listed Building?

There are 3 levels of listing: Grade I, II* & II. The majority of buildings which are of special interest are Grade II. A much smaller number of particularly important buildings are listed as Grade II*. Buildings of exceptional interest (approx 2% of the total number of listed buildings) are Grade I.

This is a Grade II* Listed Building
Scheduled Monument?

Ancient monuments and archaeological remains of national importance are protected by law. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service is responsible for compiling a schedule (list) of these ancient monuments, some of which can be found in churches and churchyards. Examples can include churchyard crosses and the archaeological remains of previous churches or buildings on the site.

There is no Scheduled Monument within the curtilage or precinct

National Park

There are three National Parks in Wales: Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons. These protect 20 percent of the land in Wales, including precious landscapes, habitats, villages and heritage sites. 

The church is not in a National Park

Conservation Area

There are over 500 conservation areas in Wales. They are designated by local planning authorities for their special architectural and historic interest.

The church is not in a Conservation Area

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Buildings At Risk Status

On Buildings At Risk Register?

The Buildings at Risk register is managed by Cadw (the Welsh Government’s historic environment service) in order to identify the number and type of listed buildings at risk in Wales. 

This church is not on the Buildings at Risk Register
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Approximate Date

Approximate Date:

It is often extremely difficult to determine a precise date of construction for a church as many have been extensively altered over time. Church Heritage Cymru therefore shows a date range within which a church is believed to have been constructed. The dates are as follows: Early Medieval (pre 1066), Medieval (post 1066 to 1540), Post Medieval (1540 to 1837), Victorian/Pre WWI (1837 to 1914) and Modern (post 1914).

Medieval

Exterior Image

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Summary Description

This is a very brief summary of the church's main features. More  detailed nformation can be found in the other fields and pages (tabs) in this database.

Bassaleg, following boundary change the settlement has been absorbed into Newport, the church Bassaleg was a cell of Glastonbury Abbey. It now contains the mausoleum of the Morgan family of Tredegar Park. Reference The Encyclopaedia of Wales

Visiting and Facilities

Useful information is displayed here for people wishing to visit the church. This may include things like opening hours, catering & toilet facilities, parking, etc. 

The church is open for worship.
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Church Website

Church Website:

If the church has its own website the details will be displayed here.

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Sources and Further Information

Any further sources of information for the church will be listed here (eg. links to other historic databases).

View information on worship and access at this church on the Church In Wales web site
RCAHMW (2004) Coflein http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/220349/details/ [Digital Archive/Document]
http://www.coflein.gov.uk/
GGAT (2016) Historic Environment Record http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?prn=GGAT00045g [Digital Archive/Data]
http://www.ggat.org.uk/her/her.html
Cadw (2003) Historic Wales Report http://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/listedbuilding/FullReport?lang=en&id=2913 [Digital Archive/Document]
Cadw listed building description for St Basil, Bassaleg
Cadw (2003) Historic Wales Report http://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/listedbuilding/FullReport?lang=en&id=81799 [Digital Archive/Document]
Lychgate, churchyard walls and railings to church of Saint Basil, Bassaleg taken from Cadw list description
Cadw (2003) Historic Wales Report http://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/listedbuilding/FullReport?lang=en&id=81806 [Digital Archive/Document]
Tower at SW corner of churchyard of St Basil, Bassaleg, attached to Tredegar Arms taken from Cadw list description

This is the Ordnance Survey (OS) reference for the location of the church. Some locations will be approximate as this data is continuously being refined and updated.

Grid Reference: ST 277 871

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Church address

Address
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
St Basil Bassaleg NEWPORT NP10 8LD

Administrative Area

Unitary Authority:

This is the name of the Local Authoirity within which the church is located.

Casnewydd - Newport

Location and Setting

This describes how the church relates to its immediate and wider environment, sometimes called its setting. It describes how the church contributes to its landscape or townscape and how these things collectively contribute to the character of the area.

Bassaleg is 5km west of Newport on Bassaleg Road, the church os on the east side of the village 75m west of the Afon Ebwy.

Reference
AA Route Planner 
OS Map 171
Cadw Listing Notice 2913

Church Plan

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Ground Plan Description and Dimensions

Ground Plan

This is a description of the ground plan of the church.

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Dimensions

If known, the dimensions (measurements) of the church ground plan will be displayed here.

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Footprint of Church buildings (m2):

If the footrprint (area) of the church is known, it will be displayed here.

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Description of Archaeology and History

A description of the history and archaeology of the church and its site.

Anglican parish church, medieval, restored 1878-9 by Habershon Fawckner & Co of Newport and 1902-3 by C. Busteed Fowler of Cardiff with Morgan chapel rebuilt 1916 by W.D. Caroe. A priory was founded here c. 1105 by Robert de la Haye but was abandoned in 1235. The present fabric is principally C14 to C15, nave and chancel with large W tower and S aisle. A free-standing C14-15 chapel on the S side was demolished c. 1850. The medieval arcade, since replaced, was of heavy square pillars and low arches. The NE chapel of uncertain date was possibly built c.1800 as a burial place of the Morgans of Tredegar, similar to the chapel at Lower Machen, and was remodelled in 1916 for the 1st Viscount Tredegar, died 1934, and contains some particularly fine monuments from 1806 onward. The S porch, nave arcade and windows are of 1878-9, the S transept (organ chamber), chancel roof and possibly the nave and aisle roofs are of 1902-3, and the N chancel arcade and roofs and fittings of the NE chapel are of 1916.
 

Exterior Description

A description of the exterior of the church and the main features of the churchyard.

Parish church, rubble stone with ashlar dressings, slate roofs and coped gables. W tower, nave, chancel, S aisle with S porch and S transept or organ chamber, and NE mausoleum chapel. The W tower is large, 3-stage, C15, with plinth, 3 moulded string courses and embattled parapets. Large cornerstones. Bell stage has small flat-headed 2-light ashlar openings with stone voussoirs, middle stage has small rectangular or square lights, 2 on W and 2 on S, and lowest stage has 3-light C15 flat-headed window with cusped lights and relieving arch, the plinth moulding carried over W door as hoodmould. W door is C15, segmental arched in moulded surround, with C19 double doors. S side bell-opening masked by C19 clock. S aisle has battered base to wall (all other walls are straight), old cornerstones to SW, some in red sandstone, W end C19 3-light window with reticulated ogee tracery, hoodmould and stone voussoirs (typical of all the replaced windows of 1878-9). S side has C19 S porch, 3 similar S windows, S transept with another similar window, and similar E window, the E end stonework continuous with nave E end. Large S porch of 1878-9 in squared rockfaced stone with clasping buttresses, and large heavily moulded and shafted arch with hoodmould and carved head stops. Two small pointed windows each side. Inner door in big 1878-9 moulded pointed arch over cambered-headed doorway with roll-moulded head and double ledged doors. Each side are fine eroded medieval carved angel stops to a lost hoodmould, and on inner side of outer doorway are 2 further medieval carved stops. S transept of 1902-3 has tall gable, purple stone quoins, and reset 1878-9 window over pointed C19 door with hood and purple stone voussoirs. Chancel has lower roof. Small later C19 addition in angle to S aisle E, with canted hipped lean-to roof, window to S and door in canted SE wall. Chancel S C16 flat-headed 4-light window with hoodmould, the lights with segmental pointed heads. Under sill is fine plaque to Hugh Jones of Troderhiwrgelli, Radns., bailiff to the Tredegar estate, died 1719. E end has C19 quoins and gable coping dated 1903, roundel in apex and E C15 4-light Perpendicular style window with panel tracery and hoodmould. NE chapel is added, straight joint to chancel E end, all detail of 1916. E flat-headed 3-light window set high and no coping to gable, diagonal NE gabled buttress, N single-light, another gabled buttress, 3-light window and transeptal gable (attached to nave wall) with stepped 3-light window set high, and carved boss in gable. Added earlier C20 porch on W side with flat roof and parapet, door to N single light and basement entry to W. Nave N wall has 3 windows similar to those on S aisle.
 

Architects, Artists and Associated People/Organisations

Information about any noteable architects, artists, people, or events associated with the church.

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Building Fabric and Features

Information about any important features and building fabric.

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Building Materials

If known, a list of the church's major building material/s will be displayed here.

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Interior Image

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Interior Description

This section gives a general description of the interior of the church. Further details of any important internal fixtures and fittings will be listed below.

Tower has C19 boarded ceiling, C15 Tudor-arched narrow door to winding stair. Deep segmental arch over W door with thin stone voussoirs. Tower arch also has thin voussoirs to pointed arch. Moulded imposts to stone side piers. Late C19 timber screen with attractive leaded glazing to Gothic panels. Nave and aisle have segmental arched panelled ceilings with painted moulded ribs and plaster panels, S aisle roof much narrower, possibly both of 1902-3, nave roof of 14x6 panels aisle roof of 14x4 panels, with coved cornices and shields under main ribs. Five bay 1878-9 ashlar arcade with alternate round and octagonal piers and 2-chamfer arches. Nave aisle paved with grave slabs. Segmental arch cut through nave N wall 1916 into antechapel of NE chapel. Medieval chancel arch C14 or early C15 with 2-chamfer pointed arch dying into plain sides. Chancel has ornate 2-bay N arcade to NE chapel, of 1916, with ashlar pointed 2-chamfer arches dying into piers and 3 column shafts, ornate carved spandrels and cresting. Roof of 1902-3 has 3 trusses with cambered tie-beams, posts with cusping above up to collars and Tudor-arched bracing to tie beams from corbels. S wall has been straightened to carry roof with a jetty carried on moulded broad stone corbels. N wall has a lancet (now into NE chapel) in deep splayed reveal. Big C15 E window has stone voussoirs to segmental-pointed reveal. Ashlar roundel set high in gable above. S wall has segmental-pointed piscina, much renewed or C19, C15 S window has oak lintel. NE chapel of 1916 has segmental oak-vault to ante-chapel with blind tracery, pointed stone arch into chapel matching the 2 arches from chapel to chancel, and chapel has fine roof of collar trusses with cambered collars, deep arched braces and decorative brattishing to collars and parallel purlins. Fittings: C19 ashlar octagonal font. C19 pine pews. Oak Gothic pulpit post 1935 with ornate traceried panels and vine-trail cornice, similar reading desk. Chancel has early C20 dado panelling, rail with 4 Gothic pierced uprights. Oak Gothic reredos of 1939 with ornate vine-trail surround and cresting, canopied blank centre and 5 traceried panels each side, centre left with wheat motif, centre right with vine, outermost posts with angels. Matching panelling each side. NE chapel has carved oak stalls on antechapel W wall in 2 rows, apparently C19, panelled dado to main chapel more ornate in sanctuary. Very ornate reredos of 1916 on chapel E wall in ashlar, Gothic, with much cresting and statues of SS George and David flanking, centre Adoration of the Magi. Fine hanging brass candelabra, 2 large ones in nave with 2 tiers of branches of 1822 said to come from St Woolos, Newport. Smaller later chandeliers also in nave, S aisle and NE ante-chapel. Painted hatchments of the early C19, 2 on nave N wall, 4 in S aisle. Large organ in S aisle transept in pine case with painted pipes, said to be of 1902-3. Stained glass: Nave N first SS George, Michael & David, c. 1920 to Lt Col C. Wilkie and 17th Battalion Welch Regiment (the names of the fallen in 3 brass plaques around), attributed to Martin Travers. N second, Faith, Hope and Charity, in green aesthetic movement colours, 1904 by A. Savell & Co, to Capt S. Homfray, (d 1894) and J. Hearsey (d 1901); patterned glass in N third and S aisle first and third. Chancel E window of 4 Evangelists of c. 1860 by Cox & Son, to Rev. T. Leyson (d 1838), in bright colours, the top lights with 12 reused German C17-C18 panels, chancel S has 2 similar inset panels. NE chapel antechapel has earlier C20 high N window with Morgan arms flanked by Virgin and a female saint. Chapel has N 3-light c. 1990 and single light 1977 both by Alan Younger. E window of SS David, Basil & Dubricius, 1917, by Kempe & Co. S aisle E window, Angel at tomb, by G. Maile Studios, to J. Whitmore (d 1964), second window, SS Luke, Matthew and John, 1910 by Kempe & Co, and W window by Alan Younger 1988. Memorials: Nave N brass plaque to Lt A. Justice died at Pretoria 1880 with design of 2 soldiers; marble plaque to Rev. J. Yorath (d 1852) by Cade of Bristol. Brass to Samuel Homfray of Tredegar Ironworks (d 1882). Three matching neo-Grec marble memorials to the Homfray family, the earliest to Samuel (d 1822) by H. Wood of Bristol with inscription also to Watkin (d 1837) and Jane (d 1846); second to Charlotte (d 1852) (by AH James of Newport); and third to Lorenzo (d 1903). On left pier of arch to NE chapel, plaque to Rev. B. Williams (d 1858), by T. Williams of Newport. On left of chancel arch, ashlar Gothic memorial to Lord Tredegar, (d 1875) with crocketted gable, another similar within NE antechapel to Lady Rosamund Style d 1883. On right of chancel arch marble Gothic plaque to Octavia Somerton (d 1869) by Tyley of Bristol. On inner chancel arch piers plaques to Phillips family 1822-58 and Rev W. Phillips (d 1875), by J. Thomas of Newport. Chancel has marble plaques to Ellen Leyson (d 1867), Rev T. Leyson (d 1838), CR Morgan MP (d 1854), neo-Grec, Caroline Leyson (d 1851) and Ellen Leyson (d 1839). S aisle has plaque to RE White drowned in Russia 1887 with low relief of ship, by AH James of Newport. NE Morgan chapel has large N wall memorial to Viscount Tredegar, (d 1934). W wall very fine neo-Grec memorial with draped urn and seven mourning children, to Lady Maria Morgan, 1808, by Sir Richard Westmacott (1775-1856), 2 brasses to C.O.S. Morgan FRS d 1888 and AJ and GL Morgan (d 1900 and 1907). E wall has marble neo-Jacobean large memorial with some 20 painted shields and strapwork cresting to Sir Charles Morgan (d 1846), by J. Evan Thomas (1810-73). NE chapel has N wall very fine memorial by Coade & Sealy, in Coade's patent stone, to Sir Charles Morgan (d 1806), with sarcophagus and reclining female over base with upturned torches on outer piers. S wall monument to Gwyneth Morgan (d 1924) by Cecily Thomas 1936 with poem by Evan Morgan (Thomas also designed memorial to Gwyneth Morgan in churchyard outside E end of chapel).
 

Internal Fixtures and Fittings

Information about the church's important internal fixtures and fittings. 

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Portable Furnishings and Artworks

Information about the church's important moveable items and artworks.

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Ecology

A description of the ecology of the churchyard.

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Ecological Designations

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

The everyday wildlife of burial grounds means much to those who visit and cherish them but many burial grounds are so rich in wildlife that they should be designated and specially protected. Few have the legal protection of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or, in the case of local authority owned cemeteries, Local Nature Reserve. This makes it even more important that they are cared for and protected by the people looking after them.

Many have a non-statutory designation as a recognition of their importance. These non-statutory designations have a variety of names in different regions including Local Wildlife Site, County Wildlife Site, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation or Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Local Wildlife Site is the most common name). Their selection is based on records of the most important, distinctive and threatened species and habitats within a national, regional and local context. This makes them some of our most valuable wildlife areas.

For example, many burial grounds which are designated as Local Wildlife Sites contain species-rich meadow, rich in wildflowers, native grasses and grassland fungi managed by only occasional mowing plus raking. When this is the case, many animals may be present too, insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. This type of grassland was once widespread and has been almost entirely lost from the UK with approximately 3% remaining, so burial grounds with species-rich meadow managed in this way are extremely important for wildlife.

These designations should be considered when planning management or change.

If you think that this or any other burial ground should be designated please contact Caring for God’s Acre (info@cfga.org.uk) to discuss. Many eligible sites have not yet received a designation and can be surveyed and then submitted for consideration.

There are no SSSIs within the curtilage of this Parish Church.

There are no Local nature reserves within the curtilage of this Parish Church.

There are no Local Wildlife sites within the curtilage of this Parish Church.

Evidence of the Presence of Bats

Information about the presence of bats in the church building or churchyard.

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Burial and War Grave Information

Records whether the church has been consecrated.

It is unknown whether the church or churchyard is consecrated. Work in progress - can you help?

Records whether there have been burials in the churchyard.

It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial. Work in progress - can you help?

Records whether the churchyard is still being used for burials.

It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial. Work in progress - can you help?

Records whether there are any war graves in the churchyard.

The churchyard has war graves.

National Heritage Designations

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

There are no Listed Buildings within the curtilage of this Parish Church.

There are no Scheduled Monuments within the curtilage of this Parish Church.

Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees

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Churchyards are home to fantastic trees, in particular ancient and veteran trees which can be the oldest indication of a sacred space and be features of extraordinary individuality. The UK holds a globally important population of ancient and veteran yew trees of which three-quarters are found in the churchyards of England and Wales.

There are more than 1,000 ancient and veteran yews aged at least 500 years in these churchyards.

To put this in context, the only other part of western Europe with a known significant yew population is Normandy in northern France, where more than 100 ancient or veteran churchyard yews have been recorded.

Burial grounds may contain veteran and ancient trees of other species such as sweet chestnut or small-leaved lime which, whilst maybe not so old as the yews, are still important for wildlife and may be home to many other species.

Specialist advice is needed when managing these wonderful trees. For more information or to seek advice please contact Caring for God’s Acre, The Ancient Yew Group and The Woodland Trust.

If you know of an ancient or veteran tree in a burial ground that is not listed here please contact Caring for God’s Acre.

There are currently no Ancient, Veteran or Notable trees connected to this Parish Church

Churchyard Structures

Any important churchyard structures will be listed here.

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Significance

Setting Significance Level:

Signifiance levels are set at high, medium and low.

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Setting Significance Description:

Significance defines what is special about a church. This could be architectural, archaeological, historical or liturgical. Here, it describes the relationship of the church to its surrounding area and helps place it within its wider landscape context.

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Fabric Significance Level:

Signifiance levels are set at high, medium and low.

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Fabric Significance Description:

Significance defines what is special about a church. This could be architectural, archaeological, historical or liturgical. Here, it describes the significance of the historic building fabric of the church.

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Interior Significance Level:

Signifiance levels are set at high, medium and low.

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Interior Significance Description:

Significance defines what is special about a church. This could be architectural, archaeological, historical or liturgical. Here, it describes the historic significance of the interior of the church.

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Community Significance Level:

Signifiance levels are set at high, medium and low.

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Community Significance Description:

Significance defines what is special about a church. This could be architectural, archaeological, historical or liturgical. Here, it describes the relationship between the church and its community. 

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Church Renewables

Any renewable energy systems the church is using will be listed here.

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Species Summary

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

All of the species listed below have been recorded in close proximity to the Parish Church . A few species which are particularly threatened and affected by disturbance may not be listed here because their exact location cannot be shared.

NOTE: Be aware that this dataset is growing, and the species totals may change once the National Biodiversity Network has added further records. Species may be present but not recorded and still await discovery.

No species data found for this record

Caring for God’s Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.

To learn more about all of the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.

"Seek Advice" Species

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

If any of the following species have been seen close to the Parish Church, it is important to seek advice from an expert. You will need to know if they are present now, and to follow expert recommendations when planning works. All of these species have specific legal protection as a recognition of their rarity. All of them are rare or becoming increasingly endangered, so it is important to ensure that management and other works do not adversely affect them. In addition, there may be things you can do to help these special species. N.B. Swift and House Martin do not have specific legal protection but are included, as roof repair works often impact breeding swifts and house martins which is against the law.

This is not a complete list of protected species, there are many more, but these are ones that are more likely to be found. All wild birds, their nests and eggs are also protected by law, as are all bats and veteran trees. In a few cases, species are considered particularly prone to disturbance or destruction by people, so the exact location of where they were recorded is not publicly available but can be requested. These ‘blurred’ records are included here, and the accuracy is to 1km. This means that the species has been recorded in close proximity to the Parish Church, or a maximum of 1km away from it. As these ‘blurred’ species are quite mobile, there is a strong likelihood that they can occur close to the Parish Church. To learn about these special species, use the link provided for each species in the table below

One important species which is not included here is the Peregrine Falcon. This is protected and advice should be sought if peregrines are nesting on a church or cathedral. Peregrine records are ‘blurred’ to 10km, hence the decision not to include records here. Remember too that species not seriously threatened nationally may still be at risk in your region and be sensitive to works. You should check with local experts about this. You may also need to seek advice about invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed and aquatics colonising streams or pools, which can spread in churchyards.

N.B. If a species is not recorded this does not indicate absence. It is always good practice to survey.

No species data found for this record

Caring for God’s Acre can help and support you in looking after the biodiversity present in this special place. If you know that any of these species occur close to the Parish Church and are not recorded here, please contact Caring for God’s Acre with details (info@cfga.org.uk).

To find out more about these and other species recorded against this Parish Church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas.

Refresh
WhoActionWhen
Administrator Monmouth Added QI inspectionWed 14 Aug 2024 14:36:02
Administrator Monmouth Created asset source linkWed 14 Aug 2024 14:36:01
Paul BakerModified asset data - Modified the Location and Setting DescriptionThu 15 Feb 2024 15:44:32
Paul BakerModified asset data - Modified the Summary DescriptionThu 15 Feb 2024 15:44:08
Paul BakerModified asset data - Modified the National Park informationThu 15 Feb 2024 15:03:05
Paul BakerModified asset data - Modified the Asset AddressThu 15 Feb 2024 15:02:54
Paul BakerModified asset data - Modified the Burial and War Grave informationThu 15 Feb 2024 15:02:04
Tina AndrewModified asset source linkTue 21 Feb 2017 15:44:21
Tina AndrewModified asset source linkTue 21 Feb 2017 15:44:05
Tina AndrewModified asset source linkTue 21 Feb 2017 15:43:39
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