A decade of volunteer-led conservation work at Hitchin Cemetery has been celebrated by North Herts Council and local community groups.

The milestone marks ten years of partnership with the Friends of Hitchin Cemetery, whose volunteers have helped transform the historic site into an important wildlife habitat in the heart of Hitchin.

A special anniversary event was held at the cemetery on Friday 13 March, bringing together volunteers, council representatives and local organisations to reflect on the group's achievements.

From local course to thriving volunteer group

The Friends group was formed in 2016 after a Countryside Management Service (CMS) topiary course inspired residents to come together to care for the older section of the cemetery.

Later that year, North Herts Council and CMS agreed a management plan aimed at boosting biodiversity across the site, with the new volunteer group playing a key role in delivering the work.

Since then the Friends group has grown into a committed and skilled team, contributing hundreds of hours each year to improving the cemetery for both wildlife and visitors.

CMS says volunteers have contributed an impressive 8,304 hours since the group began – the equivalent of more than four years of full-time work.

Celebrating a decade of progress

Around 23 people attended the anniversary event, including members of North Herts Council's Greenspace team, Cllr Jon Clayden (Hitchin Highbury), CMS volunteers and representatives from several local groups.

advertisement

Organisations present included Herts at War, Hitchin Forum, Hitchin Historical Society, John O'Conner, and Hitchin's Town Centre Manager.

The celebration included a meet-and-greet, a short history of the Friends group, and a guided tour highlighting notable graves and the conservation work carried out over the past decade. A thank-you speech from CMS's Heidi Hutton was followed by refreshments.

A haven for wildlife

Among the group's achievements are:

• 685 volunteer hours recorded in 2025 alone
• Native planting to increase wildflower diversity, including bulb planting and yellow rattle sowing to encourage meadow species
• Topiary and gardening to maintain the cemetery's historic character
• Installation of bird boxes, bat boxes and bee hotels
• Protection of important wildflower areas and species such as Meadow Saxifrage
• Community engagement through free tours and activities with Scout and Guide groups
• Regular litter picking and grave care to keep the site welcoming for visitors
• A dedicated visitor leaflet and a wildlife blog documenting the cemetery's changing seasons

The cemetery's work has even gained national recognition, featuring on BBC News in a story about pollinators.

Council praise for volunteers

Cllr Amy Allen, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Environment, praised the group's contribution.

She said: "We're immensely proud of what the Friends of Hitchin Cemetery have achieved over the past decade. Their passion and dedication have not only enhanced biodiversity, but also created a beautiful, educational space for our community to enjoy.

"We look forward to continuing our support as they continue to help improve the cemetery for wildlife conservation."

The anniversary highlights how partnership working between the council, CMS and local volunteers can help protect and enhance cherished green spaces across the district.

advertisement

Want to get involved?

Residents interested in helping can contact the Friends of Greenspaces through Hertfordshire County Council or visit Hitchin Cemetery on Fridays at 10am to meet the team, learn about the wildlife on site, and find out how to volunteer.