Returning to the Upper Churchyard via the Stone Steps, then heading to the North boundary, you will see a number of grand monuments to the Cowper family and others. Ivy has scrambled over the monuments and covered one of them completely.

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What do you make of these grand monuments disappearing under ivy? They could be read as a symbol of decay and the pointlessness of human endeavours:

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Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy. (Matthew 6:19)

 

Looked at another way, here is a symbol of life. Ivy is an amazing habitat for many creatures. Insects love its nectar and pollen, and birds feast on its berries in late winter when other food sources are scarce. Ivy has even been found to trap fine airborne particulates, so it helps tackle pollution. By supporting ivy, these fading monuments continue to support life.