STREEM
A Community-led Project to restore the Old Churchyard and stream for Our Village
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The Aims of STREEM
The Aims of STREEM
To conserve and enhance the Old Churchyard and stream, which lies at the heart of the village. Chalk streams are one of the rarest freshwater habitats in the world and are often described as “England’s rainforests” due to the rich variety of wildlife they support. Even small sections, like this one, are important.
By maintaining a mix of open water, shallow margins, bankside vegetation, and nearby scrub, the site can provide valuable habitat for insects, birds, amphibians, and mammals, while remaining an attractive and accessible green space for the community.
To work with the Friends of Swallowcliffe Church, the Parochial Church Council (PCC), Parish Council (PC), Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT), and other bodies to ensure the site is managed sensitively and sustainably.
To encourage community involvement and volunteering, with an understanding of local nature and heritage.
The proposed works to create an accessible community space which include wildlife friendly management methods, to enhance the natural features of the site and profile the habitats for wildlife.
Historical Context
Historical Context
Our Historic Churchyard c.1817
The church was originally built c.1150 was moved in 1843 because of repeated flooding.
More history of St. Peter's Church here.
The Vision
The Vision
Imagine if there were wildflowers and the ecological benefits – birds, bees, butterflies
What if you could look through from the Old Churchyard to the stream….
Better use of a central village area
Benefits to wildlife
Benefits to current and future generations
Full Project Plan................................................
Wildflower species for the Old Churchyard
Wildflower species for the Old Churchyard
Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor)
Common knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris)
Field scabious (Knautia arvensis)
Lady’s bedstraw (Galium verum)
Musk mallow (Malva moschata)
Marginal and Aquatic Planting
Marginal and Aquatic Planting
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga)
Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Sensitivities.....…
Sensitivities.....…
Some habitats will be destroyed in the short term.
It might become an overly manicured area.
A wider stream will change the flow.
Grass cutting.
Privacy for residents.
Watecolour courtesy of Gerry Blundell
** - "STREEM" is a subcommittee of "Friends of Swallowcliffe Parish Church", a registered charity Charity, number: 273638 .
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