The Carlisle Cemetery, managed by Ken West, and winner of the Natural Death Handbook award in 1993 for the most helpful cemetery in the UK, takes its responsibility for the environment very seriously. The following is adapted from a leaflet the Cemetery issued in February '96, outlining some of the issues. Their approach could certainly act as a model to less enlightened cemeteries.
Conservation areas. In 1992, Wards I and 2 of Carlisle Cemetery were designated as conservation zones. The grass in these areas is mown once each year in October. Reciprocating mowers are used, cutting the grass as if it were hay, and this is raked off and sent to the composting centre. Many wild flowers appeared including pignut, primrose, ox-eye daisy, knapweed and, in 1995, a single cowslip. In 1995, Meadow Brown butterflies and Burnett moths first appeared, and many insects are now evident. Each Summer, Spotted Flycatchers nest and feed in these areas. Unusually, some favourite Victorian plants have flourished. These include the wild daffodil and Dog-Tooth Violet. In these and other areas, bird and bat boxes have been created.
Herbaceous beds. Most beds have been replanted with species favoured by butterflies.
Owls. Residents of Richardson Street have recorded how the owls in the cemetery were regularly heard in the 1950s. They have since declined in number and species, and it is proposed to reverse this trend. Initially, the conservation areas will increase vole numbers, the main prey of owls. Owl boxes are being erected and access given to the roof-space in an old chapel.
Carved Owl. Artist Linda Watson carved a Barn owl from the trunk of an old Sweet Chestnut. 'Barnie' sits on Ward 3 looking over the conservation area, watching for voles no doubt! She has also carved an 'oak leaf' seat for the woodland grave site.
The Beck. The Fairy beck runs through the cemetery. Over the years it was straightened, with the banks mown by nymo type machines. This ceased in 1995, and dogrose, hazel and dogwood were planted along the banks in 1996. These are to provide cover for ducks and bank voles. In 1995, a kingfisher was observed on the beck, suggesting that the environment was improving. To help this species, three waterfalls were created in Spring 1996. These will form small pools able to sustain fish and amphibians.
Herons. Herons have nested in the cemetery for some years. We avoid disturbing them during the nesting period. Sadly, the poor Spring weather in recent years has killed some of the young birds.
Red Alert. The council are supporting projects to conserve the red squirrel. As red squirrels appear in the cemetery on occasion, a feeding hopper has been erected. This cannot be accessed by the heavier grey squirrel. The woodland burial area is also proposed as a future reserve for red squirrels.
Hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are safe in the cemetery. To help them hibernate, felled trees and timber are placed in 'habitat' piles, under which they can also nest. A local resident also rescues hedgehogs and, after recovery, these are released in the cemetery. We do not use poisons or slug bait in the cemetery, chemicals which can kill these creatures.
Memorials. The memorials in the cemetery date from 1855 to the current time. They are an important social record, as well as an essential substrate for lichens (see below). Unsafe memorials are never removed, except where a repair or sinking deeper in the ground is not possible. Modern memorials are made of foreign stone and the beautiful local sandstones are rarely used. Only a few stones each year are hand carved, most being produced by computer controlled sand blasting. The development of local sculptors using local stone would be worth promoting.
Lichens. These small plants are composed of a fungus and an algae, and look beautiful under a hand lens. They are disappearing throughout Europe, but grow moderately well in the clean air of Carlisle. Lichens grow on soil, trees and memorials. It is important that memorials are not moved, as the lichens often die in new positions.
Animal vandals. The cemetery sustains wildlife in surprising ways, some of which lead to complaints! Rabbits routinely eat the flowers neatly around the edge of wreaths left at funerals. They also nip off 'pot mums' leaving a neat stub. This leaves the plant looking as if a gardener had clipped the plant with a pair of shears. Carrion crows pull flowers out of vases in order to drink water. The holly berries on Christmas wreaths are also enjoyed by birds. What they think of the plastic berries, it is difficult to know!
Woodland burial. This is the burial option used by those who are concerned with the environment. The graves will create a new oak forest, and, with the planting of Scots Pine, will create a squirrel reserve. Request a free leaflet if you require details.
Recycled grave. This option was developed following requests by those concerned about the wastage of land for burial. It is also the least expensive form of burial. These graves are owned by the council and situated in old, often very attractive parts of the cemetery. They have been used for two burials which occurred over 100 years ago. The remains of these burials have now disappeared into the soil. These graves are only suitable for single burials, and, not being 'private', a memorial cannot be placed. A biodegradable coffin must be used and the grave will be re-used for burial, some 75 to a 100 years from now. Further details are available.
Environmental cremation. reduced cremation fee now applies if cremation is arranged using an inexpensive biodegradable coffin. The cremation will be completed on the same day as the service occurs, or the following morning. Please ask for further details if you are interested.
Biodegradable coffins. The standard coffin used today is made of chipboard and plastics. These cause pollution when cremated and the materials will not degrade into the earth after burial. A selection of biodegradable coffins, some made of recycled floorboards, and a wool burial shroud, can be seen in the old burial chapel. Please ask for details and free leaflets.
Recycling old wreaths. recycling scheme for old wreath frames was introduced in Autumn 1995. The wreaths are collected from cemetery tip sites by a special needs group. They strip off the old flowers and these are sent for composting. The old frames and plastic trays, etc, are them sold back to the florists for reuse. The scheme has not been totally successful due to adverse criticism from the National Association of Funeral Directors.
Cemetery walks. Cemetery walks occur during the Spring and Summer. Contact us for current details, or see the East Cumbria Countryside Project walks leaflet.
Ken West, Bereavement Services, Cemetery Office, Richardson St, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 6AL (tel 01228 25022).
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