Volunteers sought to breathe new life into St Patrick’s Graveyard

North Lanarkshire Council are seeking enthusiastic volunteers as work begins to restore the historic and characterful St Patrick's Graveyard, part of the Dalzell Estate in Motherwell.

Two volunteer days will take place on Thursday 18 August and Thursday 25 August, from 10am to 3pm. After clearing away the excess vegetation, participants will have the opportunity to work with experts in historic graveyards to update the record of gravestones in the cemetery. Training and advice will be provided throughout.

Senior Conservation Officer, Toby Nevitt, explained the important contribution this work will make to the ongoing restoration effort, “An up-to-date record of gravestone condition is essential to inform future conservation. The information obtained by volunteers will help us to draw up a restoration plan which will be put in place over the winter months. We’re also looking forward to further volunteer opportunities to improve the landscaping of the graveyard and make it easier to maintain in the future.”

St Patrick’s Graveyard was linked to St Patrick’s Kirk which was demolished in the 1798, and contains monuments from the 1700s to early 1900s. The project is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP), who support over 70 projects which celebrate the landscape and cultural heritage of the Clyde and Avon Valley.

The project is one of a number of projects focussing on the conservation and research of designed landscapes and historic graveyards in the local area. Other projects include restoration of historical features in Dalzell Estate including the ha-ha, restoration of ancient parkland at RSPB Baron’s Haugh and the recent successful clearance of privately owned Mauldslie Graveyard by Clydesdale Community Initiatives volunteers.

Donna Marshall, CAVLP Programme Manager says, “An important legacy for these projects is capacity building.” She continues, “ It’s fantastic to see regular volunteers during the conservation days at sites throughout the Clyde and Avon Valley, and we hope that new volunteers feel inspired to join in with the fantastic work that is taking place in caring for the landscape.”

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact the Senior Conservation Officer on 01236 780636.