Flora and Fauna

Boston Cemetery site

Boston Cemetery extends to about 40 acres in all, and is laid out with many varied specimens of mature trees.

The older section is now maintained as a conservation area for wildlife to flourish.

The local RSPB group conduct walks through the cemetery about three times per year.

History

The original part of Boston Cemetery was laid out in 1854 by the architect, J P Pritchett of Darlington, and extended to some 12 acres.  It would have been around this time that the mixed native and exotic trees were planted, and the cemetery landscaped in preparation for the first burials in 1855.  Many of the original trees still survive today, and particularly impressive is the cathedral-like avenue of mixed lime species bordering the long main drive.  It is thought that this is one of the finest examples of such an avenue of trees in any cemetery in Britain today. 

There were originally two chapels, one each side of the main drive and one of these still survives (Anglican), but the other (multi-denominational) was demolished in 1961. The building on the island at the end of the main drive, often mistaken for a chapel, was in fact the town mortuary.  Over the last 150 years, this part of the cemetery has developed into a wonderful habitat for birds and other wildlife, and has become home to many species of plants. 

The information leaflet lists the various species of flora and fauna to be found in the older part of the cemetery.  The lists were compiled by Sandra Hull and Christine Hancock of the RSPB South Lincs Group, and are used with their kind permission.  This is also available in paper format from the crematorium office.

The grass cutting in this part is restricted to allow time for bulbs to wither and flowers to drop their seed, and the map indicates the area where managed conservation takes place. Vehicles are no longer allowed to enter through the original entrance from Horncastle Road, thus preventing traffic using the cemetery as a short-cut, and reducing noise and disturbance in this tranquil setting. I hope you enjoy your visit to Boston Cemetery, and that you will want to return again to savour the unique atmosphere.