Workers transform cemetery

From the archive, first published Saturday 22nd Oct 2005.

PEOPLE living near Radnor Street Cemetery have joined Swindon's Ranger Team to start developing the site's wildlife memorial garden.

Radnor Street Cemetery has been designated Swindon's fifth local nature reserve.

People who helped out were also introduced to Leaves, a group dedicated to the sustainable development of the reserve.

Community liaison officer Johannah Fawthrop said: "Many children joined in digging the pond that will be a vital component to the site's biodiversity, as it will bring aquatic fauna and flora, in particular dragonflies."

Leaves spokeswoman Anne Billingham added: "People really enjoyed the opportunity to see the garden plans and discuss what plants to use where."

Leaves hopes to start regular work days on the site from November.

As part of the cemetery's reserve designation, the ranger team and their volunteer rangers have been surveying the site over the past few months to help with the management of the reserve.

The rangers are also hoping to apply for a Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Living Churchyards Award, celebrating the site's importance for wildlife.

For more information about the Radnor Street Cemetery and local nature reserves, log on to the website www.swindon.gov/naturereserves or pick up a leaflet from the Coate Water Ranger Centre.

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