The Richmond Burial Ground Trust meeting scheduled for 25 March 2026 was set to discuss plans for a new wildlife trail, the results of memorial stability testing, and the proposed work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting's agenda also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings.

Richmond Burial Ground Trust Wildlife Trail

A proposal was scheduled to be discussed regarding the creation of a wildlife trail within the Richmond Old Burial Ground. Submitted by Paul Jennings of Habitats & Heritage, the plan involves installing carved wooden animal sculptures along the site's paths. The aim is to increase public engagement, particularly with families, and to support the objectives of the Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan. The sculptures, carved from felled trees on site, would feature species important for nature conservation in the borough, such as hedgehogs and stag beetles. The report outlined that minimal signage would be used, with QR codes on each sculpture linking to fact sheets and activities. Health and safety considerations, including the positioning and stability of the sculptures, were also detailed. If approved, carving work was planned to begin in April, with a potential launch in September.

Memorial Stability Testing Results

The meeting was scheduled to consider the next steps following recently completed memorial stability testing at the Richmond Old Burial Ground. A report by The CDS Group detailed that 305 memorials were assessed, with 21 identified as being at high risk of failure. The report highlighted the legal requirements for managing burial ground safety, referencing guidance from the Ministry of Justice and the BSI Standards Publication (ref 8415:2018). The report noted that while the overall risk of injury from unstable memorials is low, operators have a duty to ensure the burial ground is maintained in good order.

The report presented options for addressing the high-risk memorials:

• Repair of memorials: This would involve a stonemason and is described as the most costly option.
• Laying down of headstones: This is identified as the cheapest option but would have the most significant impact on the site's heritage.
• Preventing access to high-risk memorials: This would involve measures such as dead hedges or chestnut paling, causing the least disturbance to the memorials themselves but having the highest visual impact.

The report indicated that a combination of these methods might be the most appropriate approach, with decisions influenced by the aesthetic and heritage significance of individual memorials. The Site Manager, John Salisbury, was expected to develop a programme of works and procure costed proposals following a steer from the Trustees.

Site Management and Proposed Work Programme 2026/27

A proposed work programme for the Richmond Old Burial Ground for the period April 2026 to March 2027 was scheduled for discussion. This programme, detailed in a report by John Salisbury, outlines various conservation and maintenance tasks. Key areas include:

• Tree Works: Undertaking tree works, including halo-thinning under mature trees and managing natural regeneration of species like ash and sycamore.
• Scrub and Vegetation Management: Coppicing hazel and willow scrub, maintaining paths by cutting back brambles and unwanted species, and managing open areas and woodland glades.
• Path Maintenance: Regular strimming and mowing of paths and their immediate sides.
• Memorial Care: Safety works to memorials, removal of ivy and vegetation from memorials, and managing trees growing too close to them.
• Chapel Area Management: Managing vegetation within the radius of the Grove Gardens Chapel.
• Information and Planning: Improving online information and updating the management plan for the period 2027-2037.

The programme also includes an estimated budget of £3,502.71 for nature and heritage conservation management, routine site works, and tree works, excluding the cost of memorial safety works which were to be determined.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The Trust was scheduled to approve the minutes from its previous meetings held on 4 November 2025 and 10 December 2025. These minutes, available in the public document pack, detail discussions and resolutions on topics such as the management of biodiversity and public use by Habitats & Heritage, site clearance near the Grove Gardens Chapel entrance, and the proposed Circular Economy Hub at Grove Gardens Chapel.