Parts of Evesham’s cemeteries are being rewilded as part of a project to enhance biodiversity and create a less formal atmosphere in the older sections of the burial grounds.
Planting for the first phase is under way in Waterside Cemetery. The second phase of the project, in parts of Bengeworth cemetery, is due to start in the spring.
These maps show the specific areas designated for the project, these are also shown by signposts in the cemeteries themselves.
Waterside Cemetery
Bengeworth Cemetery
The project includes planting wildflowers and allowing natural grasses to flourish with minimal intrusive maintenance. Species to be introduced include English bluebells, ramsons (wild garlic), wood anemones, lesser celandines, and wild daffodils as well as a veriety of other native seeds.
There are many benefits to conserving biodiversity and supporting rewilding projects, including:
- Replenish the populations of important pollinators including bees, moths, and butterflies
- Increase the amount of available habitat for hedgehogs, birds, and other small invertebrates in urban areas
- Allow natural processes to take their course, including air cleansing, water purification, natural flood protection and climate regulation.
- Improve mental health – there is increasing evidence that nature has a significant role in mental wellbeing!
- Meet the UK Government requirement of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain across any new developments
- Support and encourage other residents and local organisations to enhance and promote biodiversity
- For the intrinsic benefit of the species themselves
Rewilding will only take place in the older parts of the cemeteries, where graves are not being actively tended by friends and relatives of the deceased. Paths will be mown through the areas in order make this an attractive feature to visit.
Parts of the cemeteries containing recent burials will continue to be laid with grass and mown as usual, in order to facilitate access for those wishing to tend graves. The section of Waterside cemetery containing Commonwealth War Graves will also not be a part of this project.
Below are photos of councillors, groundskeeping staff and volunteers working on the early stages of the project. We will update this page with more photos as the project continues.
Our wonderful volunteers planting some wildflower seeds at Waterside Cemetery
Councillor Julie Tucker and our Outdoor Supervisor Richard braving the cold to plant some Honeysuckle!
