What comes to mind when you think of a cemetery? For most, it’s a place of quiet remembrance, of stone monuments and peaceful reflection. But what if a cemetery could be something more? Here in Sidmouth, our town cemetery has become just that—an unexpected and vibrant nature reserve, where local history and ecology are deeply intertwined.

This transformation has not been without its challenges. The fine line between "rewilding" for nature's benefit and unintentional neglect has sparked community debate. A recent period where the grounds were left to grow unchecked, described by some as "abandonment," sadly led to the loss of beloved wildflowers like bluebells, primroses, ladysmock and other flora. This has created a management puzzle: how do we cherish this space for both the departed and the vibrant life that has taken root among them

Step through the gates of Sidmouth Town Cemetery, opened in 1879, and you’re stepping into a story written in both stone and bark. Its atmosphere is shaped not just by the ornate headstones but by the magnificent canopy of trees that watch over them. Many of these mature Beech and Oak trees were planted by Victorian Sidmothians, their roots growing deep into the town's past as the community itself grew.

Recognizing this living heritage, the Sidmouth Arboretum has carefully mapped and recorded nearly 50 of these significant trees, creating a public archive of their stories and producing popular tree trail leaflets for residents and visitors alike. These century-old trees stand as living monuments alongside the stone ones, forging a powerful connection between the town's history and its present-day ecology. They are a testament to the foresight of our ancestors and the enduring power of nature.

Often overlooked, one of the most vital natural features of the cemetery is its network of hedgerows. Far from simple boundaries, these are ancient living structures. The southernmost hedge, in fact, may date back to the Middle Ages, potentially making it the oldest single feature on the entire site.

These hedges serve a critical role as "green highways," or wildlife corridors, allowing animals to travel safely across town, hidden from view. This network is essential for a surprising variety of local wildlife:

• The rare Lesser Horseshoe Bat, which roosts nearby, uses the hedges as a sheltered route for foraging.

• Dormice, which have been found in adjacent habitats, could expand their territory into the cemetery if the hedges are managed with their needs in mind.

• Countless birds and butterflies rely on the food and shelter these corridors provide throughout the year.

The management of the cemetery's grassy areas, some of which have been maintained as meadows since 2010, has become a focal point of community discussion. Leaving the grass long provides a crucial habitat for insects, which in turn become a vital food source for the bats and birds that frequent the area. Even dormice benefit, feeding on caterpillars they find on the long grass stems to build up protein.

However, balance is key. A carefully managed approach that combines areas of neatly cut grass with sections of wild meadow provides a more diverse habitat that can support a greater range of plants and insects. This approach also strikes a happy compromise, respecting the wishes of visitors who prefer tidier gravesites while still nurturing the wilder, life-giving character of the landscape. This is a philosophy I believe we can embrace—one of co-existence, where our acts of remembrance actively nurture the nature thriving all around us.

What better way to pay homage to our dead than to celebrate life by managing this outstanding fragment of our ancient landscape for nature and for the future.

Sidmouth Cemetery is far more than a burial ground; it is a vital, living landscape where our town's heritage and natural world are woven together. In recognition of its importance, the site is one of East Devon District Council's designated Wildlife Improvement Areas, yet finding the right management balance has proven to be a challenge.

Rather than just a puzzle, this is an opportunity for our community to come together. The Vision Group for Sidmouth is proposing an inspiring way forward: the creation of a "Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries" friends group. This initiative would bring together volunteers to work in partnership with the council, helping to care for the grounds, document its rich heritage, and ensure its biodiversity is protected.

We already have a powerful local example of how this can work. The Friends of Glen Goyle, also set up by the Vision Group, have successfully partnered with the council to transform another beloved space. By following this model, we can ensure this unique sanctuary is cherished by everyone—a place where the stories of our past can nurture the wildlife of tomorrow.