Friends of Cathays Cemetery

CONSERVATION

In recent years cemeteries in towns and cities have been  rediscovered as places to visit and their importance as wildlife habitats is increasingly recognised. 

The trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for a wide range of birds, mammals and insects.  In addition mature trees absorb both air and noise pollution.

Cardiff Council have established a ’Tree Trail’ around the cemetery to highlight the many deciduous and evergreen varieties of three which provide arange of colours throughout the year.

Some areas of the cemetery have been designated Conservation Areas.  This means that instead of cutting the grass during the summer months, it is allowed to grow, thus encouraging native flora and fauna.

A safe habitat is thus provided for insects and slowworms which are often killed by strimming machines.

These areas are not neglected, but are mown once a year at the end of autumn.

Songbirds benefit too from the longer grass as a habitat and seed heads provide a much needed food source

Cathays Cemetery is also home to a  number of butterflies, moths, fungi and lichen

It is recognised however that the site is first and foremost a cemetery, and that people may wish to visit graves in the conservation areas.

So if anyone requires access to a particular grave, the council will arrange for the gardeners to strim a path to the plot.

You will need to contact the council for this service.