Land will be transformed into new habitat

There are plans to transform the land either side of the entrance to Chalcraft Lane Cemetery into a wild flower meadow after it was bought by Arun District Council last year.

Paul Dendle, Arun’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Until recently the land was being used for grazing and since then brambles and unwanted species have grown up. Landscape contractors ISS will cut bramble and vegetation and prepare the land to sow a wild flower meadow, creating a habitat to encourage bees and butterflies.

“The land will also provide a lovely open space for local residents and walkers to enjoy.”

Plans to extend the cemetery are in the pipeline with work scheduled to get underway in 2013/14. This will include extending the main burials areas and new access paths.

Arun will maintain and manage the site until the land is needed for burials, which is likely to be in about ten years.

In autumn some small trees will be thinned out and fencing around the site will be repaired. Existing footpaths will be adorned with new seating and tree planting and a new footpath will link into the east 
of the cemetery.