Following a comprehensive survey of the flora in 1987 and extensive public consultation in   the late 1980’s the City Council agreed in March 1990 “to adopt a grounds maintenance specification .. aimed at preserving the character of the existing flora and fauna”.  Originally part of Southampton Common, the walls of the Cemetery have formed an enclosure that has helped preserve much of the diversity of wildlife that has subsequently been lost as the Common and surrounding area has developed. The mowing of each area is based on the plants found there and allows the majority of flowers to mature and produce seed before being cut.  The timing also provides short, medium and long grass to enable animals to move to their preferred conditions when an area is mown.  To see the mowing regime click here. MOWING MAP  

 However, over the last decade or so there has been a steady encroachment by various tree saplings, particularly oak, ash and sycamore; as well as bramble.  The Friends group are now working with the City Council’s ecologist and the maintenance teams to reverse this trend.  FoSOC and the Council are currently devising a 3 year plan where, with the use of volunteers and Council employees/contractors, all working to an agreed plan, we hope to restore several areas to a more open appearance.

 We hope you will enjoy the photos.  We aim to add more.  Any comments you have on the arrangement and layout will be greatly appreciated.

Wildlife photographs and text by John Vetterlein
Copyright John Vetterlein 2007.