Hitchin Cemetery Jan-Mar 2024

The generally mild winter weather meant that the early spring flowers got off to a flying start, such as these lovely bright yellow Winter Aconites.

A few wildlife sightings were made which would not have happened at all in frostier weather: several Earth Ball fungi (I think) were growing, which eject spores from a little hole on top when they are hit by raindrops, and a strangely flat, oval insect, an Eared Leafhopper was tempted out in to plain view on a Birch trunk whereas it would normally be tucked away out of sight.

One of the winter activities of the Cemetery Friends group was finding use for the compost from our extensive heap. The photo below shows John taking a breather from loading barrows which, with much communal effort, were dispatched to all corners of the cemetery. As a result various graves have now had broken concrete replaced with a good growing medium and we will see what plants we can introduce to add interest. Incidentally if anyone has spare plants you think might be suitable for the cemetery maybe you could leave them by the compost area (north east corner) and we'll know what they're for. 

Another winter activity, which the Friends Group have to complete before the 1st of March, because of bird's nesting season, is trimming the many bushes in the older part of the cemetery. We have performed some radical pruning of a couple of Box bushes that have previously been badly damaged by the Box Tree Moth. We have observed that after pruning the vigorous new growth which then appears is healthier and more resistant the moths, at least for a time. 

 


John taking a breather in the compost bin                Box bush after pruning

Although the temperatures were generally mild there were plenty of high winds and a large Silver Birch came down in January, but luckily no significant damage was done and the debris was cleared up within hours. Silver Birches have a typical maximum age of 60 years so this one was probably near the end of its life anyway. Birches are quick to grow and there are several young trees planted around the cemetery which are progressing nicely.  

Spring obviously brings ever more flowers in to bloom - there were native Daffodils with their pale petals and darker trumpets growing in the grass near the chapel. These Daffodils are a reminder of the late Paul Clark as one of his last tasks as a councillor was to come and support the scouts as they planted the bulbs. Other flowers were seen providing important food for the occasional early-flying Bumble Bee but we have also noticed that what had been magnificent drifts of thousands of Crocuses seem to be losing a bit of their glory, not helped by the squirrels who seem to have a taste for them.

  

 

An intriguing bit of wildlife was seen whilst re-laying some stones which mark the edge of a border when some Ants were disturbed and living with them where some extremely small white-coloured Ant Woodlice. These crustaceans are rarely seen as they live all their lives in darkness and it is thought that they do the Ants a favour by living on the debris left behind in the nests.

If you are visiting the cemetery this spring you will be able to listen to bird song, enjoy the many flowers such as Primroses and Cowslips and you might catch sight of one of the elusive Bee Flies basking on the edge of a grave.

                                Bee Fly                                                                  Primroses

Cemetery Tours

The coming spring and summer months are when the cemetery will be looking at its absolute best and the Friends of Hitchin Cemetery would love to see you on one of our popular tours which explore the rich history and beautiful plants and varied wildlife. The free tours last about an hour and there is easy access throughout. Due the tours' popularity places are limited so to book your place please email HitchinCemetery@gmail.com

Friday 24th May (10:30 am)

Friday 12th July (10:30 am)

Sunday 28th July (2:00 pm)