The idea
The Friends of Heene Cemetery have been volunteering for three years to transform the overgrown cemetery and in that time we have installed three water butts, introduced two bee hives, four hedgehogs and laid meadow mats.
We are now looking to take our conservation and heritage efforts further by building a dead hedge, installing tree plaques, squirrel proof bird feeding stations, commissioning tree carvings and undertaking a butterfly survey throughout 2019. As part of this, we are hoping to engage more of the local community in our work by holding PowerPoint presentations of our work and future plans during the winter and recruiting new volunteers to help with the research and procurement of resources for installation in Spring 2019.Open Days and tours in the Spring and Summer to show the fruits of our work will be advertised on our noticeboard and on Facebook. We have a monthly column in the Worthing Journal and advertise our work in the local church magazine The Botoloph Bell.
What we'll deliver
- Procure a specialist to carry out Tree Trunk Carvings
- Research and order Tree Plaques
- Organise a Butterfly Survey
- Public Presentations and Volunteer Recruitment
- Purchase Squirrel Proof bird feeding stations
- Attend Develop Volunteering Strategy Training
- Pollard and treat a goat willow tree ready for carving
Why it's a great idea
Heene Cemetery is a West Sussex Site of Nature Conservation importance and is home to a wide variety of grasses, flowers and wildlife. We want to share this haven with others by developing points of interest and education. By carving the trunks of self seeded trees which have had their branches removed to let light into the meadowland. Identifying and clearly labelling the various trees of interest that remain growing and providing shelter to wildlife. Purchasing squirrel proof bird feeding stations will encourage back the small birds which have been recorded in this green space in the past. Holding a public presentation of our work with a view to recruiting volunteers to carry out research and practical gardening will help to sustain the project into the future. We find that when volunteers come to work with us, they enjoy the feeling of purpose and develop their self confidence and pride in their achievements. A great deal of learning takes place by sharing ideas.
Steps to get it done
- Procure a tree carver
- Purchase new items
- Conduct a Butterfly survey
- Host 5 events
- Attend Develop your Volunteer Strategy training
- Pollard and treat a damaged Goat Willow Tree
