Project Title

WILDFLOWERS FOR GRAVES

Code

L7

Project summary

This involves the planting of wildflower and ornamental bulbs along the avenues underneath trees. Species would include bluebell, snowdrop, wild daffodil, tulip and iris. They would be available for people to pick and put on graves. The only change in the present management would be to stop the mowing regime between January and the end of June, to allow these plants to flower. In places where there are no trees and hence no shade, the turf could be removed and a cornfield flower mix scattered. This would include poppy (very appropriate for a cemetery), cornflower, corncockle and corn marigold. These flowers would also be available for people to pick and put on loved-ones' graves. A donations box could be considered, but as vandalism is a major worry, the flowers could be free or information given about where to send donations.

Project management

Management would involve removal of dead vegetation, and raking the soil at the end of summer and winter.

Project locations

Large sites.
Knoll Top Cemetery and open space.

Planning permission

NO

Project links

N/A

Economic Implications

Funding - set up costs

Signs. Bulbs could be donated from nurseries or the Community Garden.

Sources of funding: Sacred Land Project.

Funding - running costs

Mowing from July to December; maintaining cornflower mix.

Employment

The same people who manage the cemetery would do this work, instead of the usual mowing.

Tourism

This project would greatly improve the visual appearance of the site and hence encourage tourists.

Social Implications

Community involvement

The local community could help to plant out bulbs.

Schools involvement

Local schools could help to plant bulbs.

Recreational benefits

This project would add colour to the cemetery throughout the year.

Environmental Implications

Local Agenda 21

Using locally grown flowers instead of those grown abroad and flown in, or those taken from the wild locally and abroad.

Wildlife

This project would increase the botanical interest of the site, making it more attractive to insects and hence birds as a result.

Project viability

Constraints

Agreement by authorities.
Donations should not be relied on.