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The Environment at
Hyde Park Cemetery
When Hyde Park Cemetery
opened in 1856 it lay some distance outside the built-up area of
19th-century Doncaster. However, the town has expanded to
such an
extent in the past 150-odd years that the cemetery is now surrounded by
the town's urban sprawl. Because of this, Hyde Park Cemetery has
acquired a real significance as a haven for wildlife and as a valuable
green space amongst the residential, commercial and industrial
development of southern Doncaster.
It is the Friends' intention to develop Hyde Park Cemetery's role in enhancing the local environment. Our first venture in this area is expected to be the creation of a wildflower area, with the assistance of local schoolchildren. An environmental survey was undertaken in June 2004 and the following extracts are taken from that survey.
Survey Findings The cemetery is predominantly grassland, managed on a regular but not too intense mowing regime. It is species-rich, reflecting the unimproved pasture which was enclosed to create the cemetery in Victorian times. Herb-rich meadow is present in a good portion of the cemetery. (The western end and peripheral grassland to the south and east.) They are characterised by the dominance of:
Herbs
In the south of the cemetery there is a rudimentary woodland flora developing in the shade of the large trees. Trees
Shrubs
Woodland edge habitat includes
The large trees that have been planted around the perimeter are notable in their own right and as potential bat roosts and nesting opportunities for birds of prey, corvids, and wood pigeons. The non-native large-leaved lime and horse chestnut trees are ecologically significant in this urban context. The Manchester poplars have been shown to be genetically identical to the rare native black poplar and are worthy of conservation, as are the cemetery’s elms. A Wych elm is present and thriving. It is possible that English Elms are re-growing from suckers. These presently appear moribund; they should be conserved if possible. To the north of the site a more recently planted thicket of mainly native broad-leaves has been established and should be retained. There are a number of significant large trees, noticably silver birch and large holly trees. These, along with large growths of Ivy over gravestones and sarcophagi, should be retained. No animal survey was undertaken but evidence of rabbit, common bird species and bats, along with a pair of kestrels have been noted. On the hillNon-native shrub species of little ecological value On eastern sideLine of mature lime and horse chestnut trees with the beginnings of a woodland edge community beneath with bluebell and holly regeneration. These large trees may be used as bat roosts. On southern sideMature lime and horse chestnut trees with abundant shrubs providing good nesting habitat. Shade tolerant ground flora present. Becoming a woodland edge habitat with bluebell, male fern, hairy willowherb, elder, ash, wild cherry, hawthorn, and young sycamore. Thick ivy on the wall provides good nesting habitat and winter feed. Himalayan balsam present. Nettle patches and rank grass are also present along with hogweed and bramble. This eutrophication is possibly due to tipping of grass clippings/flowers. Elm thicket present due to suckering. Southern part of west wall.Privet shrubbery with ground flora dominated with false oat grass, cow parsley, garlic mustard and common cleaver Burial space known as H and IFlora indicates wet soils North wall just behind chapelsDrier, patchier flora with mallow and shining cranesbill North wall as you go up the slopeShrubbery with yew, silver birch, black poplar, grey alder, hazel, pedunculate oak, lime, hawthorn, rowan and bramble Western wall and northern wall above the slopeWestern boundary with mature Manchester poplar trees Behind the lodgeLondon plane Meadow species listHerb rich meadow 1(Western side) Differs as dominance of sheep’s sorrel gives a reddish hue to the whole
Herb rich meadow 2(Eastern side)
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