CLIFTON resident Irene Ansems has asked the Voice to highlight the “great work” carried out by the Friends of Birdcage Walk.
She told us: “I was astonished to see the extent to which the Friends have cleaned up St Andrew’s churchyard! They must’ve worked all winter to clear away the overgrown brambles, and now one can walk all over the graveyard and see almost all the tombstones.
“This work will also allow for greater biodiversity as a variety of new species will thrive here in this lovely green space.”
Birdcage Walk, which links Victoria Square with Clifton Hill, is arguably one of the most picturesque paths in the city.
A pleached lime-tree arbour, or tunnel, is a feature of the pathway, which is lined by nineteenth century graveyards on either side. These are part of St Andrew’s Churchyard. The church itself was bombed in 1940 and its ruins later demolished.
Birdcage Walk is kept attractive thanks to a band of volunteers who regularly gather to do some gardening. Wearing stout boots and gardening gloves and armed with their own secateurs and loppers, depending on the season they tidy up such plants as blackberry bushes, trees, shrubs and flowers. They also tidy up the graveyards, trying to balance access to the graves with maintaining habitat for wildlife.
Independent councillor for Clifton Paula O’Rourke, who is chair of Friends of Birdcage Walk, said that the volunteers had “done thousands of hours of work”.
The volunteers usually meet on the third Sunday of the month at 11am for two hours of gardening. To find out more, contact FriendsofBrirdcageWalk@gmail.com