Cemetery (The Stints)

The cemetery ground is a most sensitive area incorporating burial grounds and memorial garden for cremations. It also includes the Hathern War Memorial and two bench seats, and is crossed by gravelled access ways. The cemetery is has two distinct parts. The area closest to the village and backing onto housing incorporates the older graves and headstones, the War memorial and incorporates many mature trees several of which are subject to Tree Preservation Orders. The area to the left of this is open ground, includes most of the more recent burials and has no trees. The site is enclosed by mature hedgerows on all sides, including its frontage to the well used Stints footpath.

The area is used for part of the Remembrance Service every November and villagers do visit regularly to tend the graves of friends and family. It should be a quiet and attractive area for reflection and memories.

The cemetery is subject to the Council’s maintenance schedule, including mowing, strimming, weed control and hedge trimming. Major improvements to the access ways and facilities are proposed as part of the Council’s Priority Plan. Any plans should also consider the wider environment of the grounds

Remedial and Improvement Work

The following are suggested :

• Infill planting of hedgerow to fill gaps (some are large)
• Tree planting scheme close to boundary of LHS to provide better balance of features. These should be of varieties native and common to the area eg Field Maple, Standard Hawthorn etc. Hollies could be planted between these trees to provide infill and variety
• Identify and cultivate hedgerow trees (eg Hawthorn or Ash).