Join the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery as we take a stroll around this magnificent 53 acre site investigating our recently launched Tree Trail. The Tree Trail highlights the range of trees that this Victorian Cemetery contains, over 1750 planted mainly in 1898/9.
Meet at the Lodge on the main drive at 11am prompt, Saturday 20th July.(For further information and to reserve a place, please contact us on 07811393259 or mail to friendsofbec@gmail.com)
Busy day again for the Tree Surgeons, but this time just removing dead wood off some of the really high Pines on the main drive. Spot the man in the cage!!
At last there seems to be some signs that the long awaited repairs to the roof, and maybe the interior, of the Lodge are imminent ! Maybe the Friends will be able to get back to using it for their meetings and events soon. We can but hope.
The Friends recently relaunched their refreshed Tree Walk leaflet and on Saturday 20th July at 11am, Malcolm Jacques will be leading a walk around the trees highlighted.
This will be a ‘stroll’ and most of the areas will accessible to wheelchair users but we warn that the roadways are uneven. All will be welcome but can we ask that any under 16year olds be accompanied by an adult. We would suggest suitable footwear for uneven ground.
If you would like to reserve a place can we ask you to e mail us on friendsofbec@gmail.com,
Our thanks to Valerie Smith again for adding her wonderful poppy tribute in remembrance of D Day Veterans and those that were lost in this action. Her crochet poppies stand out beautifully.
June has ended up being a really busy month for the Friends. The started off with a Gardening session trying to clear some annoying Mares Tail weeds. I have to say, even we were surprised at the difference a few hours work by half a dozen people made. Thank you Volunteers.
We followed that up with a mornings litter picking and 12 volunteers managed a bag each. We are so pleased to see that the actual litter is mainly flower paper and not ‘dropped’ litter. Can we remind you again to take the paper off any flowers that you leave on loved ones graves. Well done everyone.
We still have several other events to attend, supporting other local groups and lots of preparation for our own July events! Watch this space……
Over the next few weeks and months you may hear the hum of chain saws and notice the felling of some mature trees in the cemetery. We are all sad to see any tree removed but they all have a limited life. That could be determined by the species of tree or by outside influences such as fungal infections, beetle infestations, disease and weather.
Most of the mature trees in Brandwood End were planted over 125 years ago and some predate that. Unfortunately- or fortunately, as a public space the trees are regularly checked by the Tree Officer to make sure that none are at risk of falling and causing damage to graves or worse still….people. The Trees Officer spoke to the Friends some time ago, as the recent survey had highlighted quite a few trees needing attention, and where possible they will be trimmed etc but some are beyond those measures and will have to be removed. This is necessary work and whilst it is sad to see trees removed we are pleased to see that they are being surveyed on a regular basis. (Those that ask about budgets, this is a Health and Safety issue and funding must always be available for that.)
Allied to this project we are discussing possible use of some of the timber removed for ECO projects and also looking a raising funding to replace those trees lost and so maintain a good tree stock for future generations.
Please take care if Tree Surgeons are working in the cemetery. Its interesting to watch but not from too close!
A busy weekend for FBEC. Gardening on Saturday 1st and then our quarterly Litter Pick on Sunday 2nd June. This is a quarterly event and usually well attended. Remember to bring stout footwear and gloves and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
We have had a few windy days lately so no doubt there will be lots of flower paper blown around the cemetery so please come along and help us keep it tidy for visitors.
Meet opposite the Lodge, just inside the main gate, at 10am. we finish at 11.30 am.
We will be holding another Grave Gardening session on Saturday 1st June and welcome everyone, with or without green fingers! We do suggest that you wear boots and bring gloves and whilst we do have gloves and tools, we understand if you prefer to bring your own. The most useful will be loppers, shears. secateurs rakes and brooms. We will be working in the Civilian Garden but meeting at the Cross of Sacrifice on the main drive at 11am. The session runs till 2pm but feel free to go when you wish.
