I meet the Birmingham grave gardeners creating life amid treasured resting places

When you think of a cemetery, it’s unlikely that you’d picture it as a place for a leisurely stroll, let alone gardening.

However, history reveals a different tale – one where cemeteries were as much a sanctuary for the living as they were a final resting place for the departed. 

Today, however, they are becoming a canvas for green-thumbed residents of Birmingham who engage in the art of grave gardening.

I went to Brandwood End Cemetery in Kings Heath to meet the grave gardeners who tend to these hallowed grounds. One of the dedicated grave gardeners is Jane Edwards, a committee member of the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery in Kings Heath, a group which works to preserve and enhance the beauty and history of the cemetery. As we walk through the rows of headstones she tells me about the work they do.

“We strive to reclaim areas once concealed by decades of overgrown shrubbery,” she explains. “In doing so, we often uncover long-forgotten graves. Discovering them is an emotional experience, to say the least. We try to address the shrubbery, which over the last 30 years has covered large areas of graves, we often uncover graves which have been covered for decades.” says Jane. She adds: “When you discover something, it’s very emotional”.

‘A cemetery is not solely about death’

Brandwood End Cemetery was purposefully designed as a garden cemetery, with the intention to be more than a final resting place. It was created to be a tranquil space for reflection, recreation, and the appreciation of nature.

Jane explains: “From our perspective, we aim to uphold this vision and help people recognise that a cemetery is not solely about death and the dead. It offers a multitude of experiences for visitors today.”

The cemetery actively engages with the community, offering a variety of activities. Jane further tells me: “We encourage local schools to participate in our initiatives, such as hosting a Carol service by the Summit Tree near the Chapels, where children can actively engage. For instance, the kids have been involved in projects like our Hedgehog project.”

As I left, it was clear that Brandwood End Cemetery is not just a place for the dead but for the living. So, the next time you think of a cemetery, remember the story of Brandwood End and the passionate volunteers who are making it a garden of life and history.