Cardiff Parks Organisations on the Rise

The cemetery is a haven for naturalists and historians alike

The Friends of Parks organisations began springing up in Cardiff back in 2006 and today there are more than ever, with two being founded just last year.

Drawing members from all walks of life the groups do all sorts of work in Cardiff’s parks. From administration to manual labour to hosting events the Friends take care of everything the parks need to keep them open and beneficial to local communities.

One particularly active group is the Friends of Cathays Cemetery. Often overlooked as a place of recreation, the cemetery is alive with history and wildlife.

“We have three talks and an annual lecture each year on cemetery or local history related subjects,” said group member John Farnhill, “a monthly workday…regular conducted walks and one-off events.”

John Farnhill, a committee member of the Friends of Cathays Cemetery, explained how the group works:

“The Friends was formed in 2006 and we currently have about 80 members, from all walks of life. Anyone can join at any time, and people have different reasons for joining. I’m interested because of family and local history – you can find the entire history of Cardiff in the cemetery. Others are members because they have family buried there, others because they love the peace and quiet in this green space in the middle of Cardiff, and others because they live locally ….. etc.

“We have a programme of walks and talks and other activities: generally three talks and an annual lecture each year on cemetery or local history related subjects; a monthly workday – we have cleared one of the oldest sections of undergrowth, and discovered some interesting memorials in the process; regular conducted walks, led either by the friends or by bereavement services.

“We also hold one-off events – eg commemorating a defender of Rorke’s Drift whose grave was previously unmarked.”

The Friends of Cathays Cemetery meet roughly every two months on a Tuesday. The next walk will be held on 28 October 2012. Membership costs £5 per year.

The Friends of Bute park was founded just last year, Mike Harper is its Chairman:

“We were set up last year, initially as an initiative of the Park Management as part of the National Heritage Lottery funded Bute Park Restoration Project. They invited interested people to a series of meetings and as a result the Friends of Bute Park was formed. We elected a committee and agreed a constitution last summer.”

The next event being held by Friends of Bute Park is a park ranger talk on 1 November 2012. Volunteers are welcome for future conservation events.

Cardiff Council website contains further details of parks organisations across Cardiff.