I READ with some sympathy the report about the overgrown state of the land surrounding the grave of Mrs Rawley’s father in St Mary’s churchyard in Ambleside (Gazette, July 4, 'Anger at condition of Ambleside graveyard').
It has long been a tradition to keep cemeteries and graveyards looking neat and manicured and in this way we have demonstrated our respect and continued remembrance of those who have gone before us.
But, as times change and we are beginning to experience the effects of climate breakdown with dwindling numbers of plant, animal and insect species, perhaps our burial grounds could be returned to wild flower meadows and allowed to grow up for some months in the summer.
They would still require some mowing at certain times of the year and could be kept short through the winter.
I can’t help but imagine that if our parents, grandparents, great - or even great-great – grandparents knew of the present state of the world (40 per cent of insects lost in the last few decades) they would be more than happy to be part of this gentle form of regeneration.
Gillian Kelly
Founder member of Ambleside Action for a Future
Ambleside
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here