The volunteers of the Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries have been busy hacking away at the brambles on the older part [or, Area 3 on the management plan] of the main cemetery.
Firstly, this work is revealing hidden gravestones.
As working party member Amanda O’Carroll says:
“Two graves uncovered. Leask has another family member buried first, recorded on the side but latest 2015 and this is in the wild area, not the first more recent one we have discovered in this area.”
Secondly, this work is about increasing biodiversity.
As another of the team, Mick Street, says:
“We had cleared bramble and small trees and, as we did so, found shield bugs, a bush cricket, butterflies, a young frog, ladybirds and beetles, so the area is rich in wildlife.”
A sign, provided by the council, was then put up, letting the public know what this specific area is about:
However, this sign was then pulled up and has now disappeared, which is disappointing…
Lastly, this work is pretty hard – and so the volunteers do deserve the occasional break!
And here’s the result of their labours, all bagged up and ready to go!
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