Chesterton Cemetery

Challenge

One of the key challenges for the project was the design and creation of a budget constrained rain garden that could catch and filter water from one of the chapel roofs. The team came up with a bespoke design for a raised deep planter that kept material costs considerably lower than the SuDS design recommended by the consultant.

Approach

Throughout 2023 and early 2024 Keystone Habitats undertook a range of habitat enhancement works, including:

Wildflower Meadow Creation

A wildflower meadow was created by removing the amenity grass, rotovating the area and then sowing a mix of grasses, annual and perennial flowers.

Due to site constraints, topsoil could not be removed to reduce the nutrient content, a much often used practise in establishing a wildflower meadow. Nutrients will instead be reduced by removing the arisings from the meadow during the establishment and maintenance cuts. The resulting wildflower meadow is now an attractive and biodiverse area within the cemetery to be enjoyed by the local community.

Hedgerow Planting

Native bare root stock was used to create and enhance hedgerows on site. Small standard trees were planted intermittently along the hedgerows to create a diverse hedgerow structure. All trees were planted utilising mycogrow root dip and slow release fertiliser to aid establishment. The hedgerows were also mulched with well-rotted woodchip produced from other Keystone sites and distributed using one of our tracked Norcar multi tool carriers. The newly created and enhanced hedgerows now provide valuable habitat connectivity and have significantly enhanced the natural character and biodiversity of the cemetery.

Rain Garden

A raised, deep planter was installed over the hardstanding area to catch and slow the runoff from the chapel roof, with an overflow pipe leading back to the main drainage system. The rain garden comprises of plants that are resistant to both rainwater inundation, dry summer season conditions and generally tolerant of shade. This was a bespoke design developed and built by Keystone that provides an increased variety of habitat for wildlife, slows the runoff from the nearby chapel into the drainage system and adds a unique hard landscaping feature to the site.

Grassland Buffer Strips

Grassland buffer strips were created along the site’s eastern margins to help provide additional habitat connectivity, pollinator foraging opportunity and increased aesthetic value for site visitors. This was achieved by scarifying the existing grassland before overseeding with a perennial wildflower mix.

Shaded Bulb Planting

To the north of the site spring flowering bulbs were planted as they provide an early nectar and pollen source for insects and visual interest visitors.

Pollinator Planting

Lavender was planted in formal beds along key pathways to provide foraging for pollinating insects and increased sensory value for visitors.

Orchard Creation

Twelve locally sourced, rare variety fruit trees were planted in linear groups as a small orchard. It is intended that the fruits will be picked by visitors, whilst also providing a food source for wildlife.

Bat and Bird Box Installation

Eight bird boxes and five bat boxes were installed on suitable trees across the site. Keystone’s in-house arborists, equipped with strong ecological expertise, carried out the tree ascents to install the boxes in optimal positions and orientations for target species.

Hedgehog Highway Creation

The site’s permeability to hedgehogs was increased by creating holes at the base of boundary fences, allowing them to enter and exit the site to forage more freely. Signs were installed next to each hole to provide information to the visiting public.

Creation and Installation of Interpretation Boards

Keystone collaborated with Sophie Foster Illustration and Charles Watkins Design to produce two interpretation boards showcasing the site’s habitats and ecological enhancements. The boards aim to educate visitors about the wildlife they may encounter while exploring the cemetery.

The interpretation boards can be viewed here. Visitor boards

Outcomes

The habitat enhancements at Chesterton Cemetery have created valuable new foraging, commuting, nesting, and roosting opportunities for a wide range of wildlife species. These improvements have also enhanced the visual and sensory experience for visitors and the local community, while helping to educate them about the site’s diverse habitats and species. To ensure the long-term success of these works, Keystone developed a detailed five-year management plan and toolbox talk for the site’s maintenance contractors, supporting the continued effective management of the cemetery’s habitats for years to come.