Cemetery Maintenance
Dover District Council trialled a different management approach at its cemeteries in Dover, Deal and Sandwich in 2023. The aim was to find a better balance between maintaining access for relatives, promoting biodiversity, and moderating the use of fuel for mowing. The cemetery entrances and areas that contain recent burials were mowed as usual, but in other places the meadow species were allowed to grow and develop flowers. A survey of St James Cemetery found an impressive 106 types of plant, including notable species such as devil’s-bit scabious, harebell, burnet saxifrage and large thyme.
In 2024 the Council will continue regular cuts to sections of the cemeteries at entrances, in headstone borders and in areas that contain recent burials. Elsewhere grass and wildflowers will be allowed to develop through the growing season, then cut and collected in late summer or early autumn. Self-seeded saplings, such as sycamores, will be controlled. This style of management will promote an attractive, balanced mix of grasses and wildflowers, which should help to support insect populations, including bees. Cemeteries and closed churchyards can provide a haven for wildlife in an urban setting and can also provide valuable links to other areas of grassland, including nature reserves, around Dover, such as Coombe Hole Local Wildlife Site.
War graves in all cemeteries are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.