The Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries hit the front page a year ago, when the Herald covered a public meeting hearing concerns about the maintenance of Sidmouth Cemetery which launched the project.
A year on, and again the main feature of the paper is what the CSC group is up to – this time with Sidmouth volunteers calling for a dogs-on-leads policy for the Cemetery.
Here is the full press release sent to the Herald – together with links to take part in the district council’s consultation on its policy of where dogs should be put on leads and the CSC campaign to ask for this to happen at Sidmouth Cemetery:
CHERISHING SIDMOUTH CEMETERIES PROJECT A YEAR ON.
PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC SPACES CONSULTATION!
It is now over a year since the Herald covered a public meeting at Sidmouth Cemetery called by the Vision Group for Sidmouth – when feelings ran high about what many felt had been neglect of this important site.
Following that, the VGS put together the Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries group, meeting up with EDDC officials and creating a working party of volunteers keen to make an impact.
And looking to the future, as CSC member Tess says, “By regularly meeting with representatives from the district council, we hope to move forward together with a plan for the cemetery which respects the visitors, graves and wildlife in this special site.”
WORK IN PROGRESS
There is indeed work to be done – but over the last year, considerable progress has been made.
The closely mown areas used to be cut every 2 weeks but now aim to be cut every 6 weeks if they do not get too long.
The working party is aiming to encourage wildlife diversity whilst allowing access to graves.
The older part of the Cemetery is a designated “Wild Area” which is only cut infrequently. Volunteers have cleared several Victorian headstones of brambles, so that inscriptions can be read clearly, whilst leaving some long grass, wild flowers and scrub for wildlife.
Also, the two long borders have been weeded and some insect pollinator friendly plants have been added –and are full of suitable plants and flowers that welcome visitors
The Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries members feel Sidmouth Cemetery is a special place.
As CSC volunteer Liz says, “I feel a connection with the people buried there, a few of whom I knew. It’s like greeting old friends.
“There are so many important life stories here from war graves of those gone before their time, to authors and a whole lot of ordinary people who made Sidmouth what it is over the last 150 years.
“I sometimes bring my library book here and sit on one of the benches amid the wild flowers and butterflies,” adds Liz. “The wonderful view across the valley does distract somewhat.”
DOGS IN THE CEMETERY
Not everything is working well, however.
The East Devon District Council Cemetery Regulations 2024 clearly state: “No dog will be permitted to enter or remain in any cemetery unless kept continuously on a lead and under proper control. Any fouling must be cleaned up and removed from the cemetery.”
Despite this, some dog owners are allowing their dogs to be off lead, wandering freely around the cemetery, fouling the graves and surrounding areas and not removing the faeces. Not only does this display total disrespect for the people buried in the cemetery but it is extremely upsetting for people visiting a loved one. Dog faeces not only puts their health at risk but also the council staff and volunteers.
The Cemetery regulations are on the council’s website but clear signs are urgently required in the cemetery.
Dog fouling can be reported on East Devon District Council’s website. https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/dogs/report-it/report-dog-fouling/
Also, EDDC have opened a consultation to find out what the public thinks about introducing a clear ‘dogs-on-leads’ policy in the Cemetery, which can be properly enforced.
Go to the EDDC page: “Have your say on future of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in East Devon” https://publicspacesprotectionorderfullreview.commonplace.is/
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Finally, the working party of the Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries project says new volunteers are always most welcome – simply come along on any Thursday morning to join the working party at Sidmouth Cemetery. There are lots of different jobs to suit all abilities.
The working party would welcome any good quality second hand tools to be donated.
The feedback of the public is also very welcome. As CSC member Tess says, “When people give us a smile or a positive comment on a Thursday morning, we feel encouraged and that we are making a difference.”
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Photo taken by CSC member Tess Bisson: “The first cut of the year: in the background, the EDDC Streetscene team mow the grass at Sidmouth Cemetery whilst in the foreground, the CSC working party rake it up, to allow fresh grass and spring flowers to breathe.” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556577878892
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