During April, a new project has been initiated which will enable Tenby's old cemetery to undergo quite a make-over.

This very positive venture has been made possible by an excellent collaboration between Pembrokeshire College, the biodiversity department of Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire National Park Authority.

St. Mary's Parochial Church Council and the Rector, Andrew Davies, have been concerned about the poor state of the old cemetery for some time and this scheme is an excellent step forward in improving conditions in what is a very special part of our town, one which is entitled to some care and respect.

Following a habitat assessment and review of the present condition of the cemetery, in relation to plant life management and conservation, a team of young people from Pembrokeshire College have begun work on clearing sections of the grounds.

These youngsters, aged 16 and 17, are undertaking a 22-week army preparation course at the college and, as part of their team-building activities, have made an admirable start at removing ivy and brambles from around the graves.

At the end of their course, the students will be awarded a level one qualification in public services.

They are being supervised throughout the project by their tutor from Pembrokeshire College, Andy Desborough, and Sergeant Richards, who has been seconded for two years from the army to provide the military side of the training within this preparatory course.

Jill Simpson, from National Park, is providing vital information regarding plant species and is very much 'hands on', working alongside the students and their instructors, offering guidance and encouragement.

The work is being undertaken a section at a time and there is to be a two-part cutting regime. The summer blooming of the wild flowers will be allowed to take place and once seeding has been completed, areas will be strimmed or cut with scythes. In this way, the overgrown parts of the cemetery will be cleared without destroying the areas naturalised by wild flowers, some of which are relatively rare.

It is planned that the scheme will be ongoing throughout the year. It's not an easy task and there is a considerable amount of work to be completed, but the group have already made significant inroads and their industry is clear to see. It is hoped that when members of local families visit the cemetery, they will value the work which has already been undertaken and admire the continuing improvements of this special resting place.