Heritage and Wildlife in our Cemeteries
Macclesfield Cemetery Heritage Trail
This fascinating tour of some of Macclesfield’s 68 acres of
cemetery and gardens of remembrance reveals curious histories
and graveyard symbolism. The walk takes place twice a year on one
Sunday in April and one Sunday in September.
Contact: 01625 422330
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 422330
Macclesfield Educational Tours
For educational visits to the crematorium and cemeteries phone:
01625 422330.
Human Sundial Feature at Crewe Cemetery
Set in the Gardens of Remembrance in
Septemeber 2000, the sundial has been scientifically designed
to show an accurate time -provided the sun is shining! A
human sundial requires a person 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;
- 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.
Supporting the Council’s environmentally friendly policy,
recycled glass has been used for the colour segments.
- 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.
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 eleven 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
Birds and Other Wildlife of the Cemeteries
Over the past few years, in consultation with
the Ranger Service, Cheshire Wildlife
Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
(RSPB) we 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.
