Upset over Weymouth cemetery amid rewilding project

It comes as the ‘Living Cemeteries’ rewilding project, which aims to encourage bees and butterflies to thrive in the town's cemeteries, is under review.

Cllr Joanna Dickenson has again raised concern about Melcombe Regis Cemetery off Newstead Road.

While it is not as bad as the summer when the grass and flowers grow in abundance - and there has been some mowing of the grounds since - some graves are completely overgrown and barely visible. Trees and bushes have taken over some plots.

At a Weymouth Town Council meeting Cllr Dickenson asked a question regarding the state of the site.

Cllr Joanna Dickenson (Image: Supplied)

After receiving a number of upset phone calls from her constituents about the state of the grounds, Cllr Dickenson went out to take a look at the issue herself.

She explained that on this visit she came across the grave of a young man and all around the grave it was ‘so overgrown that she could not even make out his name until she pulled the grass out of the way.’

Melcombe Regis Cemetery (Image: Martin Lea)

Cllr Dickenson said: “I can’t understand why they think that it is okay. It’s disrespectful and undignified.

“There should be some compromise. The actual graves and pathways should be kept neat and tidy as it shows a mark of respect. It upset me quite a lot.”

She claims that the majority of the growth is grass, adding: “Bees do not pollinate grass.”

Melcombe Regis Cemetery (Image: Martin Lea)

At the full council meeting, Cllr Dickenson asked: “Why are you making areas of Weymouth look so scruffy and unwelcoming.”

Melcombe Regis Cemetery (Image: Martin Lea)

When asked if she had anything else to say, the councillor added: “Look around Weymouth I would say – it’s awful.”

Following the meeting, Cllr Dickenson explained that she has spoken with holidaymakers who have asked her ‘what is going on – every road leading into Weymouth is overgrown.’

She said: “Why don’t they cut the verges. It never used to be like this years ago.”

Weymouth Town Council is holding a consultation on whether the rewilding plans should be changed at the upcoming Environment and Services meeting.

READ MORE: 'Cemeteries are beautiful places that honour the dead - not jungles’

Committee Chair Cllr Matt Bell previously 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.  

Melcombe Regis Cemetery (Image: Martin Lea)

“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.”  

As reported by the Echo, residents in Weymouth have previously shared their views about the state of an overgrown cemetery - with some describing it as 'beautiful' whilst others say it is a 'mess and disrespectful' to loved ones.