Green Burial Meadow - Annual Scythe August 2023
In spite of the unseasonal weather, on 1st August 2023 a team effort of annual scything took place with Tavistock Town Council’s Works Department and interested volunteers, led by Scyther Kevin Austin and lead volunteer Hilli Mole.
Tavistock Town Council has been providing a green burial service at Plymouth Road Cemetery since 1999. The concept of the Green Burial Meadow is to provide a peaceful resting place in a manner which is friendly towards nature and the environment.
Hilli Mole, who started Friends of Green Burial Meadow, a group of volunteers, some of whom have loved ones buried there, was the driving force in reaching agreement with the Council after several years of bouncing around ideas and approaches.
One of the ideas that has been adopted is the traditional method of scything at the green burial meadow. This method of maintenance is most suited as it more environmentally friendly than the alternative fuel heavy strimmers that leave a carbon footprint, safe to implement in this area and importantly is sympathetic to the wildlife and precious ecosystem that is developing year on year. Hilli Mole said ‘So much wildlife is encouraged by this method of managing Tavy's Green Burial Meadow. Walk the paths, or sit on a bench, and listen to the sounds. Peaceful.’
Scyther Kevin Austin, from Skye Grove in Cornwall, led the working party last week, providing his expertise and passion for traditional land management methods, where he provided advice to the team on how to effectively manage the meadow using a scythe. Kevin Austin said ‘wonderful to be involved in delivering this collaborative project over the years. The simple changes to meadow management, enthusiastic involvement of volunteers and Council staff, builds connections and brings a diverse richness of life into the burial grounds, a joy to see'
The Works Manager would like to thank Kevin Austin, Hilli Mole and the Friends of the Green Burial Meadow, other volunteers and Town Council staff for all of their hard work last week scything and gathering the hay.
In recent years the Green Burial Meadow has been recognised in the South West in Bloom and Devon Wildlife Community of the Year Awards and is where it is today due to the ongoing commitment and care from those involved who have helped to create and maintain a place of rest which supports our future.
If you would like more information on the Green Burial Meadow, or would like to join the volunteer group, please contact the Town Council on cemeteryoffice@tavistock.gov.uk
