25th August 2026
A new community group has been established to support, celebrate and promote Wimborne Cemetery – and we are inviting local people to get involved.
The Friends of Wimborne Cemetery is a new community group established by Wimborne Minster Town Council to support, celebrate and promote the cemetery’s history, heritage, wildlife and future.
Wimborne Cemetery is much more than a place where people are laid to rest. It is a significant part of the town’s history, a peaceful green space, a place of remembrance and an increasingly important habitat for wildlife.
The Friends group provides an opportunity for members of the local community to play a part in supporting and celebrating this special place.
What will the Friends of Wimborne Cemetery do?
The Friends of Wimborne Cemetery will work alongside the Town Council and Cemetery Manager, helping to develop projects and activities that benefit the cemetery and the people who use it.
The group may become involved in a wide range of activities, including:
- supporting the conservation and appreciation of the cemetery’s history and heritage;
- helping to raise awareness of the cemetery and its importance to Wimborne;
- supporting biodiversity and environmental projects;
- organising talks, walks, tours and community events;
- helping to research and share stories about people buried in the cemetery;
- supporting appropriate fundraising and grant applications for projects within the cemetery; and
- encouraging greater community involvement in the future of the cemetery.
The group will develop its activities over time, with members having the opportunity to help shape what the Friends of Wimborne Cemetery becomes.
Discover the History of Wimborne Cemetery
Wimborne Cemetery was established in the nineteenth century, with the cemetery chapel dating from 1856. Across the cemetery are the graves and memorials of generations of local people, providing a fascinating insight into the history of Wimborne and the surrounding area.
There are stories of local families, notable residents, people who served their country, and ordinary members of the community whose lives contributed to the history of the town.
The Friends group will provide an opportunity to discover and share some of these stories, helping to ensure that the history contained within the cemetery is not forgotten.
Supporting Wildlife and Biodiversity at Wimborne Cemetery
The cemetery is also a valuable green space for wildlife.
The Town Council has begun introducing measures to support biodiversity, including targeted rewilding in some of the cemetery’s older sections and other suitable areas.
The Friends group can help to build on this work by increasing awareness and appreciation of the natural environment within the cemetery and supporting future biodiversity initiatives.
How to Join the Friends of Wimborne Cemetery
You don’t need to have specialist knowledge of history, gardening, wildlife or genealogy to become involved.
Whether you have a longstanding connection with Wimborne Cemetery, have family members buried here, are interested in local history, enjoy nature, or simply want to help support an important community space, we would love to hear from you. Contact the Cemetery Manager to find out more about becoming a Friend.
The Friends of Wimborne Cemetery is intended to be a welcoming community group, with opportunities to contribute in whatever way suits you.
There is no expectation that members will have to commit to every activity or event. The aim is to create a group of people who are interested in the cemetery and would like to help it thrive.
Come and meet us
We will be holding meetings and events where you can find out more about the Friends group, meet other members and help shape its future.
Further information about upcoming meetings, how to join and future activities will be published on the Wimborne Cemetery website and through the Town Council’s communications.
If you love Wimborne Cemetery and would like to help us care for, celebrate and share this special place, we would love you to become a Friend.
Together, we can help ensure that Wimborne Cemetery continues to be a place of remembrance, history, nature and community for generations to come.
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