Memorial orchard plan for Cradley churchyard

It would become a meadow with wild flowers, saplings and fruit trees. Land given to the church by local firm Hammersleys was too steep for burials and has been overgrown.

Vicar Rev Katryn Leclézio said: "When St Peter's church council became aware that the people of Cradley had told the council in the survey conducted on regeneration that the area did not have enough usable green space, we looked at the large green space that we have and thought of creative ways of opening it to the community.

"The overgrown field could be used as a Memorial Orchard Meadow, thus creating a space for the community and for wildlife.

"We hope that the schools will be involved in planting the meadow grasses and flowers when the time comes."

The church is also creating a picnic area at the top of the field to be used by nurseries and groups and hopes to make St Peter's jams and preserves with sister church, St Peter's Lapal.

Before that, the race is on to clear the churchyard with community help.

"I am touched that people who have read about the churchyard challenge in the paper, who have seen what the Princes' Trust team and the Business in the Community volunteers have achieved, are now volunteering their own time and effort in clearing bits of the churchyard," said the vicar.

"It is my prayer that soon all the bits will join up and we will begin to have a space that can be developed as a sit-and-think-awhile space for the people of Cradley,"

There will be consultation about plans for the church and churchyard at the church on Saturday, March 9, from 11am – 1pm.