At Exeter Cathedral we are working to help biodiversity and preservation of the local landscape.
As part of the electricity infrastructure project Exeter Cathedral has purchased offset credits of 0.02 hectares of Lowland meadow in Duryard Valley Park on the outskirts of Exeter, and planted a Cedar of Lebanon tree in the Bishop’s Palace garden. We have also planted a wildflower meadow adjacent to the Cathedral and are gradually replacing non-native species with native species in our herbaceous boarder on the edge of the green.
In summer 2023, we hosted a ‘Bio Blitz’ public wildlife search on Cathedral Green, as part of a wider initiative to involve the local community in recording species and monitoring biodiversity. Experts were excited to find many common moth species including three common Rustic moths, a lesser common Rustic, a Large Yellow Underwing, a Nut-tree Tussock, a Tachystola Arcoxantha and a Chrysoteuchia Cumella. Other unusual wildlife was also discovered, including a hummingbird hawk moth and a vole in the garden of the Bishop of Exeter’s Palace. A range of exotic wild plants were discovered around the Cathedral, including a Creeping Bent, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Enchanters’ Nightshade, a Garden Yellow Archangel and over 65 lichens.
We also offer opportunities for visitors to learn more about Exeter Cathedral’s green spaces. Graham Beck, the Tree Officer for the Saving Devon’s Treescapes Project, has given fascinating tree walks around the Exeter Cathedral’s green areas, where visitors can learn more about the different variety of trees and the crucial role that trees play in preserving habitats for wildlife.
Swifts Nesting in the Cathedral Tower
In June 2024, as part of our Development Project Activity Plan to support wildlife, Exeter Cathedral worked with Devon Birds and Orbis Ecology to install 130 swift boxes in the Cathedral South Tower. The project was managed for Exeter Cathedral by Chris Sampson, Clerk of Works, and Gary Morley, Maintenance Manager, who co-ordinated the installation. Swift populations have declined by 60% in recent years and it can take years for swifts to colonise new boxes. Exeter Cathedral is therefore delighted that at least three pairs of swifts have already found a nesting home here at Exeter Cathedral.
Updated August 2026
The Wildflower Meadow
The Cathedral is committed to improving the biodiversity of our estate and creating more spaces for nature to thrive. Advised by Devon Wildlife Consultants and supported through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the site behind Church House was identified as an area where we could trial the planting of a wildflower meadow, to encourage pollinators and other insects. The site has been planted with a range of flowers that create a beautiful foreground to our historic buildings and provide forage for bees and butterflies. The flowers will be left until the seed has set and will then be cut down ready to flower again in the spring and summer. One of our younger visitors said ‘that is the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen’ which is all that we could have hoped for!
