I have been suggesting that dog walkers in the Mill Road Cemetery might be asked to consider keeping their pets on a lead and under control during the spring and nesting season.
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| A Thrush in the Cemetery (Andrew Dobson) |
As well as all the signs of new growth, I have also noticed small birds checking out the undergrowth for nesting sites. I have also noticed uncontrolled dogs chasing birds from the bushes and across the open spaces. While it is unlikely that any dogs will either catch a bird or eat a hedgehog, the continual disturbance must make it increasingly hard for the wildlife in the cemetery to breed successfully.
I am aware that the dog walkers in the cemetery have been vociferous in the past at any suggestion that there should be any restrictions, but I would like to remind everyone:
- Dog walking has only been allowed in the cemetery in the last 20 years
- The council declared a biodiversity emergency in May 2019
- Mill Road Cemetery is included on the register of Cambridge City Wildlife Sites
- The restrictions would only apply during the nesting seasons.
All we need is for the City Council, Friends of Mill Road Cemetery or the Parochial Burial Grounds Management Committee (who represent the parishes that actually own the ground) to put up a sign in March until May reminding dog walkers to respect other uses of the cemetery and in particular to protect wildlife by keeping their dos on the lead during this sensitive season.
So here is a list of people I have bothered. Maybe others might also email them too, use their social media to promote the issue or post objections below.
Parochial Burial Grounds Management Committee
Friends of Mill Raod Cemetery
Cambridge City Parks and Rec.
Streets and open spaces team
Council Dog Warden
Local Councilors:
Richard Robertson
Kelley Green
Mike Davey
Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment and City Centre
Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces
and also:
Wildlife Trust for BCN, who list the Cemetery as a City Wildlife Site
