Spiders, bees, peregrine falcons and daffodils can all be seen at St Mary’s churchyard in Wanstead.

St Mary’s was the site recently of an excellent guided tour, arranged by the Wren Group.

The tour was led by chair of the Wren Group, James Heal with help from the custodians of St Mary’s.

James was pointing out the birds, a goldcrest and coal tit in amongst the Yew trees, when a peregrine falcon flew over above, scanning the area for prey.

The next object of interest was a rotting log, which had become a home for wild bees

James found a variety of spiders, as a result of shaking branches.

The amount of wildlife in this three-acre space was truly remarkable.

There are also bee hives being tended on site.

The church has a gardening group, which works in the graveyard.

The church, working with Wild Wanstead and Redbridge Council, have developed the graveyard into a biodiversity oasis. A real case of reading the signs of the times.

Something also in evidence when going inside the church, were the pews full of goods donated by the local community to help the people of Ukraine.

Built in 1790, the church sits adjacent to the site where Wanstead House stood until the 1820s.

St Mary’s often attracts the film crews, particularly those making films featuring the Georgian period. Vanity Fair was one recent drama partly filmed there.

St Mary’s though, is truly a living church aware of its historical legacy, whilst also living in the moment, with the wild graveyard and charitable support for the people of Ukraine.

The church truly plays a vital role as part of the community of Wanstead - an example that has much to offer others, particularly those seeking to live in a greener and more sustainable way.

A cause for hope, so go take a look.