FROM A PLACE FOR THE DEAD
TO
A SPACE FOR THE LIVING
Over the past 25 years the garden has been developed to provide a hidden green area in the middle of busy Lockwood and an outdoor meeting place for a variety of church activities.
GRAVEYARD TO GARDEN
In 1986 the graveyard had not been used for many years and had become overgrown by shrubs and trees. With the help of the Government sponsored Manpower Services Commission the graveyard was transformed into a garden, consisting of a large patio with seating, a lawn, flower beds and shrubs.
Preserving the historical heritage of the area is important to us so a detailed record was made of each headstone, and is kept in the archives of Huddersfield Town Library. The headstones were removed from their original positions and relaid to make the patio area, where they are now able to be seen and studied.
The garden is accessible for Lockwood people to sit and enjoy the pleasant surroundings and peace; for different church activities, such as Bar-B-Q’s and regular visits by the local school for the study of a variety of areas of the curriculum, such as History, Science and R.E.
THE WILDLIFE GARDEN
By 2007 the shrubs planted in 1986 had become overgrown and work commenced to create a wildlife garden at the far end of the area. A grant was given by Kirklees Regeneration Development Service to remove an old, dangerous oil tank and develop the garden, using reused and recycled materials where possible.
New features to look for:
- Bushes have been cleared away to provide fruit and vegetable growing areas for our Young Church to have a special interest in.
- Trees at the front of the area have been pruned to give more light.
- A winding woodland path has been created using woodchip from a neighbour’s tree pruning.
- Wildflowers and bulbs have been planted.
- A wood pile has been made to attract small creatures.
- Recycled stone has been used from a church member’s garden makeover.
- A garden feature has been constructed using broken slates, following the theft of lead from the chapel roof.
- A safe pond has been created to provide a habitat for frogs and aquatic creatures.
- Bird and bat boxes have been placed in trees.
- Many plants have been donated by church members and friends.
- Two memorial wrought iron arches have been made by a church member and lead to each side of the garden.
- A peace cairn has been started.
The Wildlife Garden was officially opened on 19th July 2008.
‘It is a beautiful garden with a great feel of peace and permanence about it.’ Wrote a visitor from Tasmania about the whole garden.
We welcome you to visit it and pray that you too will have your own special experiences.
Pictures of the garden through the seasons are on the GALLERY page of this website
