Cemeteries consultation launches
Residents are being asked their views on the cemeteries that Weymouth Town Council is responsible for maintaining in a consultation which opened today.
Like many other councils, Weymouth Town Council provides designated areas in Melcombe Cemetery, Melcombe Extension, Weymouth Cemetery, and Wyke Cemetery where grass is left longer, only being cut once or twice a year.
The aim of this is to provide more natural areas in the cemeteries to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as offering a tranquil area for people when they visit and is in line with guidance provided by Dorset Wildlife Trust.
The trust recommends maintaining three different grass lengths in the summer months, which the Council is currently following:
1. Areas which can be left as long grass to create a wildflower meadow.
2. Areas where grass can be cut at a medium length.
3. Areas which need a short close cut, such as pathways.
So, the Council is asking people whether it should or should not continue to maintain the grass in the three ways outlined.
The consultation was approved by the Environment and Services Committee in July. Committee Chair Cllr Matt Bell said: “The way we currently manage our cemeteries is based on guidance that leaving some designated areas where grass can grow longer allows wildflowers to grow which is beneficial for bees and butterflies.
“This is to increase biodiversity in the wider context of species decline and is not a cost-saving measure. It’s important to stress that the grass in the separate lawn areas of the cemeteries, where the most recent graves are positioned, is cut year-round. Have your say on the consultation and let us know your thoughts on this topic.”
People can access the survey online to give their opinion and tell the Council their reasons. The consultation runs until 5pm on Monday 28th October.
The results will then go to December’s meeting of the Environment and Services Committee for consideration.
Maps showing the designated areas in each cemetery are below. Click on a map to enlarge:
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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