Online event: 'Making Space for Nature in our Burial Grounds'

APSE is pleased to announce the launch of its latest research entitled ‘Making Space for Nature in our Burial Grounds’

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The UK’s Biodiversity levels are amongst the worst in Europe. In fact the UK is currently placed in the lowest 12% of global countries and territories for biodiversity intactness. Many local authorities are now declaring ecological emergencies to try to address these losses. It may be asked where does cemeteries come into all of this? Cemeteries and burial places make up over 4% of the UK’s greenspaces and provide vital and often the last remaining refuges for many species of flora and fauna.

This recognition has led many local authorities to consider how best they can use these spaces to protect and enhance the opportunities for biodiversity, whilst still being aware that these spaces are important places of remembrance for bereaved families.

APSE undertook a survey in 2022 to look at how local authorities are addressing this issue and from the results, has produced a report which contains both useful case studies on practical approaches to making space for nature in our burial grounds, but also put the historical context of the link between cemeteries and the natural world in perspective.

This seminar is aimed at the mangers of our cemeteries, crematoria, and closed churchyards, but will also be of great interest to anyone with climate change, biodiversity, cultural history and community engagement responsibilities.

Presentations

Making Space for Nature in Our Burial Grounds - APSE Research Report Launch

Wayne Priestley APSE Principal Advisor

Understanding the Value of the Ecosystem Services Provided by Our Cemeteries And Burial Grounds

Danielle Sinnett, Professor in Sustainable Built Environments & Katie McClymont, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, University of the West of England

Uncovering and protecting the wealth and variety of biodiversity in our burial grounds

Dr. Harriet Carty, Charity Director, Caring for God’s Acre

The importance of engaging with volunteers to ensure biodiversity is protected

Julia Morris, Parks Development Officer, Dudley Council

Creating and managing Biodiversity in a cemetery setting on a budget and managing customer expectations

Douglas Henderson, Business Development Manager Bereavement Services, Worcester City Council

Balancing the needs of cemetery visitors with promoting and protecting habitats for wildlife

Rachel Smith, Assistant Group Manager, Greenspace, Biodiversity & Bereavement Services, Glasgow City Council