A team of volunteers tending to a churchyard in the diocese has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society and South West in Bloom for its outstanding achievements in 2025.

David and Jean Glasson care for Illogan’s five-acre churchyard and lead a small band of volunteers.

Two people holding a certificate - the background is red.

David and Jean Glasson with the 2025 It’s Your Neighbourhood award.

Royal Horticultural Society officials, with South West in Bloom, have given Saint Illogan Parish Churchyard a Level Five – outstanding, for  2025 It’s Your Neighbourhood award.

A number of positive comments from the society included the ‘numerous varied mature trees presenting interest and wildlife habitats’, ‘managed semi-wild areas supporting a diversity of wildlife and flora’, as well as ‘care and respect is shown to visitors …’.

David said: “Level five is the highest you can go and it is the first time we have reached this level. It is hard work to get this. We are proud to receive it – even the rector is proud as punch.”

Earlier this year the Glassons and volunteer group were recognised in the BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Awards.

Andrew and Pamela Tompsett, who reported on this recent accolade, wrote: “These two recent awards give much pleasure to our team leaders David and Jean Glasson as well as the small group of volunteers who gather throughout the year in this precious village resource.”

Certificate

Primary schools are  invited to the parish churchyard to take part in wildlife workshops. It is also part of the Cornwall Living Churchyards project to help promote nature.  QR codes can also be found for people to scan with their mobile phones and find out more information.

A small group of volunteers meet every Thursday from 10am – 12pm to help in the churchyard. David said they are always looking for more volunteers. People are welcome to turn up on a Thursday morning to help.