Heritage and Wildlife in our Cemeteries

Lichen Policy

Lichens are a successful alliance between a fungus and an alga. Each doing what it does best, and thriving as a result of a natural cooperation. They live as one organism, both sharing the same body.

Cemeteries are of high importance for lichen conservation. Ancient stonework on chapels and memorials, when undisturbed and unpolluted by chemical sprays etc provide ideal habitats for their growth.

The geology of a cemetery is often varied: limestone, sandstone, ironstone, marble, brick, mortar, slate and granite. Each stone having their own distinctive lichen communities. In addition lichens can be found on well-established trees and wooden structures such as memorial benches.

Lichens, being extremely sensitive to pollution, play a valuable role as natural indicators of the health of our environment.

1700 species of lichen have been found in Britain, over 300 for them growing in cemeteries. Some specifies have been found to grow only in the cemetery environment in this country. With many cemeteries having over 100 different examples.

If you have a memorial in one of our ten cemeteries, and feel you would like it have it cleaned, the best way is simple to wash it down with clean water without any chemicals or soap. This way you can play your part in protecting this valuable natural resource.

For further information on lichens please contact The British Lichen Society 

Macclesfield Cemetery Heritage Trail

This walk in run twice a year on one Sunday in April and one Sunday in September. This fascinating tour of some of Macclesfield’s 68 acres of cemetery and gardens of remembrance will reveal curious histories and graveyard symbolism.
Contact: 01625 404518

Macclesfield War & Remembrance Trail

On Remembrance Sunday, join us on a tour of Macclesfield Cemetery and discover some of the stories behind those who have fallen in the service of their country. Advanced booking essential as places are limited.
Contact: 01625 504505

Macclesfield Educational Tours

Enquiries about talks and community projects contact the Ranger Service on 01625 504538. For educational visits to the crematorium and cemeteries contact Bereavement Services on 01625 422330.

Birds and Other Wildlife of the Cemeteries

Over the past few years, staff in consultation with the Ranger Service, Cheshire Wildlife Trust andthe RSPB have endeavoured to create a haven for birds and wildlife. The cemeteries are mainly Victorian and therefore have an abundance of mature trees and hedgerows which in turn, provide food, nesting opportunities and shelter throughout the year, for many species of birds and other wildlife.

In some of our cemeteries, brambles and scrub have been left and the creation of woodland areas which incorporates wildlife ponds, bird and bat boxes has helped to encourage more wildlife to breed successfully.

Already over 50 species of birds have been recorded, some of which are residents to Britain while others are either summer or winter migrants.

Human Sundial Feature at Crewe Cemetery

In September 2000 a new feature was added. Set in the Gardens of Remembrance, the sundial has been scientifically designed to allow an accurate time to be taken) provided the sun is shining!).A human sundial differs from others in that a person is required to be the vertical pointer. A plate is set in the middle of the dial which shows the different months of the year, divided by a central line. The person stands with one foot on either side of the line at the correct time of year; the time can then be read from their shadow.

The sundial has been installed for two main reasons; firstly, the design incorporates segments which relate to the months and seasons, denoted by four different colours.These segments will be used to strew cremated remains should be bereaved wish them to be placed in a particular month or season.In support if the Council’s environmentally friendly policy; recycled glass has been used for the colour segments.Secondly, the sundial has great educational value, as it demonstrates how the measurement of time is governed by the Earth’s movement relative to the Sun.