Volunteers caring for wildlife and nature in a diocese churchyard have been recognised in the BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Awards.

David and Jean Glasson were nominated for their care of Illogan’s five-acre churchyard and leading of a small band of volunteers.

A group of 6 people in the church yard with grass and trees in the background.

L-R: Helen Jones (Creation Care Champion), Andrew & Pamela Tompsett, Revd Mark Balfour (back row). Front: David & Jean Glasson with BBC Radio Cornwall, Making a difference, Green Award. Photo credit: Sharon Willoughby, Diocesan Environment Officer.

David, who has been working in the churchyard since he retired, said: “We were nominated in January for the work we’ve done in the past 18 years.”

He said earlier this year award representatives visited the grounds in Illogan and interviewed David and Jean.

He added: “We went to the Falmouth Hotel in August, and we didn’t know who was going to win. There were 15 tables and about 150 people there. There were a number of different categories that night and we were in the Green category where we were given a Highly Commended.

“We got given a nice plaque.

“We are delighted.”

The parish churchyard is said to be the second largest in Cornwall and primary schools are invited there to take part in wildlife workshops. It is also part of the Cornwall Living Churchyards project to help promote nature.

David said: “People walk through the churchyard, there is nature there, birds and nest boxes, there are also seats so people can come and relax in the quiet.”

Helen Jones, St Illogan church’s Creation Care Champion, said: “It is marvellous. We have use the churchyard in Creation Care – bringing all the local primary schools in to explore the wild space, have workshops on wildlife, scavenger hunts, brass rubbings, planting trees.

“It’s just a lovely green space really.”

“It’s just a lovely green space really.” – Helen, Creation Care Champion.

The BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Award is not the only recognition the churchyard has had. Last year, a certificate was presented to church members by the Royal Horticultural Society, confirming ‘the contribution to village life and to the nature conservation work carried out’.

Dr Sharon Willoughby, Diocesan Environment Officer, said: “David and Jean’s faithful commitment to creation care and the community who derive so much joy and restoration from time in this beautiful churchyard is a source of great inspiration – a wonderful church team project.”

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 meet at the turn up on a Thursday morning to help.