THE VOLUNTEER TEAM AT WORK
We are still a little early to see trees in leaf and in flower around Sidmouth Cemetery, although spring flowers are popping up around the Cemetery especially following the planting of woodland bulbs by the volunteers of the CSC working party late last summer.
Because even though Sidmouth Cemetery is essentially a piece of ancient meadowland, trees do play an important part in defining the shape and feel of the place – and this shape and feel is different according to each season.
So, as we transition from bare branches to green, it is perhaps a good time to provide an overview of the treescape.
THE COUNCIL TREE TEAM AT WORK
It is also a good moment to appreciate the trees and their habitats, because the Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries working party are very pleased to be working with the district council’s Streetscene tree team, who have recently paid the Cemetery a visit.
The team looked at helping to put up bird boxes – as well as doing some more heavy-duty clearing and pruning – as it is this time of year, before the sap rises and before the birds start nesting, that such tree work needs to be carried out.
And there is great appreciation amongst professionals, visitors and volunteers of the richness and importance of the trees at Sidmouth Cemetery.
A TREE MAP OF SIDMOUTH CEMETERY
Last May, there was a wonderful tree walk led by Ed Dolphin of the Sidmouth Arboretum, when he took members of the CSC working party around the Cemetery looking at many of the fine specimens.
Below is the tree map taken from the Arboretum website – and if you click this map it will take you to their page where you can find out more about the trees which Ed referred to:
copyright Sidmouth Arboretum and google maps
A TREE GUIDE TO SIDMOUTH CEMETERY
In November, the Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries team were part of the VGS stall celebrating trees with the Arboretum. And as well as having photos and samples from the trees of the Cemetery, the volunteers were also able to talk in length about specific specimens – thanks to a wonderful Tree Guide to Sidmouth Cemetery put together by CSC working party member Mick Street – pictured below at the Arboretum event:
The VGS celebrating trees with the Arboretum – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Everyone is welcome at any time to wonder about Sidmouth Cemetery – to enjoy the peace and quiet, enhanced by the beauty of the trees and woodland looked after by the council and volunteers.
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