Saundersfoot Community Council is starting a new initiative at St Issell’s Cemetery to gently encourage more wildlife — from insects and butterflies to moths — while still keeping the space respectful, peaceful, and well cared for.

The scheme is being geaded up by Cllr Eleanor Jones, supported by the Gardens & Grounds Working Group.

“We have some great events coming up if you’re interested in the natural world,” said Cllr Jones.

“It’s all about finding the right balance: understanding which plants to nurture, what to reintroduce and how to create a welcoming habitat for wildlife alongside a tidy, maintained setting for families.”

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, head along on April 14 or 21 between 11am and 1pm, as those behind the project will be having a look around, starting some light clearing and tidying and chatting about ideas for the space going forward.

There’s no need to book — just turn up when you can. Wear suitable clothing, bring gloves and secateurs if you have them and we’ll provide everything else.

“It’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, meet others and help create something really special,” continued Cllr Jones.

Continuing with the wildlife theme for the seaside village, on May 19, between 10am and 12.30pm, a ‘ranger event’ is to be held to help monitor bumblebees and butterflies.

Join a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ranger for a friendly, easy-going session all about spotting and recording bumblebees and butterflies in your local area.

Cemeteries are often quiet places that can be great for wildlife. By setting up a simple walking route, you can help track how bees and butterflies are using the space and how their numbers change over time.

During the session, we’ll:

You don’t need any experience — just an interest in nature and a willingness to take a closer look at what’s around you.

Whether you enjoy walking, like nature, or just want to learn something new about your local area, it’s a great way to get involved.

What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. You might also like to bring a notebook, camera or smartphone to record what you see.

If you’re interested in attending please book a free place with the Community Council manager Sam Turner via email at: [email protected].

At its most recent meeting, the Community Council also agreed to establish a ‘Friends of Saundersfoot Sensory Garden’ and invite anyone who wishes to either contribute to the development of the garden or to memorialise friends or family, to contribute to the ‘Friends’ fund.

Each January, a sign will be posted in the Garden acknowledging all donors from the previous year and said sign will remain until the following January. Minimum donation of £50.

The Council will share more news on this in the coming months.