A CELEBRATION recognising the transformation of an overgrown Bournemouth churchyard into a “tranquil green space” will feature activities, exhibitions, and even a string quartet.
On Saturday, May 14, members of the public will congregate at St Peter’s Church in the town centre to mark the fruition of a three-year community conservation project to transform the grounds.
The community are invited to come together for an afternoon of storytelling by volunteers about the work they have done and their connection to the church.
Visitors will be able to join guided history and wildlife walks, exhibitions as well as a host of family and wildlife gardening activities. In addition, there will be a string quartet playing during the afternoon, provided by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
The project, which has been supported by Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Urban Green initiative, saw volunteers clear undergrowth, plant wildlife-friendly plants, build seating and paths, install bug hotels and bird boxes, as well as create history and wildlife interpreted trails in the churchyard.
Urban Green Project officer Sue Dawson said: “It has been wonderful to see how the St Peter’s community have pulled together to make this project such a success.
“People of all ages and backgrounds have rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in and many have commented how much they have enjoyed connecting with nature and making a difference to this green space right in the heart of Bournemouth town centre.
“Our thanks go to the National Lotter Community Fund for their support of the project.”
Volunteers also cleared an “invasive” rhododendron and planted 6,000 bulbs. Further work was done to maintain the Grade II listed Chapel of the Resurrection which commemorates local men who fought in the First World War.
Reverend Ian Terry also praised the project for helping discourage anti-social behaviour in the church grounds, which he said would often take place “in the shadows” of the overgrown yard.
Everyone is welcome to join in and visit the churchyard – well-known for housing the resting place of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley – from 2.30pm to 4pm.
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