Cemetery Gates Open

The newly restored Rectory Lane Cemetery should be fully open by the time you read this.

The finished project is the result of three years of work to physically transform the space, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local fundraising. Project Manager Dr James Moir has worked for seven years to achieve the final result, on time and to budget, but there have been many people helping along the way, including a blacksmith, conservation experts, landscapers, a tree surgeon, designers, architects and many more, including of course the volunteers.

Berkhamsted Gardeners’ Society has agreed to be responsible for the Garden of Remembrance and its planting scheme of roses, shrubs, and perennials – work will begin in the spring.

The cemetery covers three acres, and work will now concentrate on developing it as a wildlife habitat and encouraging diversity. It has already proved to be a haven for wildlife including fox, badger, hedgehog, slowworm, bats and Yellow Meadow Ants. Anyone who would like to help with this is welcome.

Representatives of community groups are invited to explore the Cemetery and consider how it could be used and contributed to by their members. Contact Kate Campbell, the Community Engagement Officer on 07866 024254 or email community@stpetersberkhamstedfriends.org.uk.