News

Latest announcements from the
Canterbury Cemetery Friends

18 April 2026
Spring Afternoon Event

Saturday, 18 April 2026 marked the first Spring Afternoon at the Canterbury City Cemetery. Hosted by the Canterbury Cemetery Friends, the event took place from 1.30 to 3.30 during a beautiful day.

Attendees were greeted at the front entrance and were told about the range of available activities. Fortunately, the weather cooperated–the bluebells were even in full bloom!

With a focus on biodiversity–and in conjunction with a UK-wide Day of Action for Nature, Parks and Green Spaces–the event demonstrated how communities everywhere care deeply about the natural world and want to see it protected and restored. The emphasis of the day was to relay this message through activities that promoted a sense of fun in a manner that showed respect for the cemetery’s restorative natural environment.

In terms of fun, there was the brand new Family Discovery Trail, featuring the cemetery’s mascot, Sooty, whose cartoon avatar guided young explorers as they searched for treasures around the cemetery. While the fictional Sooty assisted treasure seekers, the real Sooty enjoyed basking in the spotlight and soaking up as much attention as possible from guests of all ages.

Visitors who were interested in bringing home something special from the event were able to select from plants and refreshments while interacting with members of the Friends group. Apparently, the delicious homemade treats were very popular!

Many asked questions about the proposed biodiversity activities for the cemetery. Others spent a significant amount of time chatting in the chapel, where renovation efforts are still the focus of fundraising. For more information, see our Projects page.

Based on the high number of attendees, one of the most enjoyable aspect of the day was the incredible edible tree tour, lead by Aidan Potts (the cemetery’s tree expert).

There was a really good turnout for the edible tree tour, the family treasure hunt, updates on their biodiversity projects, as well as other activities.
Alister Brady, KCC Councillor for Canterbury City North (from Facebook)

The event was a huge success, welcoming approximately 75 visitors and raising close to £450 for the Friends group. Many thanks to those who organised the day, those who contributed plants and refreshments, and to those who volunteered. Thanks as well to Friends who shared their photographs for this recap. Finally, much appreciation goes to everyone who attended and showed their support for the Friends by donating and contributing. It was a memorable day for all.

Past events

24 and 25 January 2026
RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch

On 24 and 25 January 2026, the Canterbury Cemetery Friends had their first Big Garden Birdwatch. Nine enthusiastic participants counted the birds landing for an hour and reported the results to the RSPB for the organisation’s national survey. During their observations, they recorded blue tits, robins, magpies, coal tits, crows, and wood pigeons. They also spotted a chaffinch, chiffchaff, goldcrest, and redwing.

13 December 2025:
A visit to Canterbury Jewish Cemetery

On Saturday 13 December 2025, a group of roughly 50 people attended a series of brief talks at the Canterbury Jewish Cemetery.

The first speaker was Peter Berg (pictured below), who shared an overview of the cemetery’s history and offered background about different Jewish traditions.

Speaker Alan Bennett (pictured below) then followed up with stories about two of the fascinating people associated with the cemetery.

Visitors were then permitted to wander around the grounds in the bright winter sunshine at their own pace.

Many thanks to those involved in organising an interesting morning of history and culture.

21 September 2025:
Highlights from the Open Day

On 21 September 2025, the Canterbury Cemetery Friends hosted its Open Day. Held during Heritage Open Days, the afternoon was a tremendous success. The well fed and ever present cemetery cat (fondly referred to as Sylvester, Sooty, CC, and several other monikers) greeted incoming visitors, and despite the forecast, even the weather cooperated.

Guests were offered refreshments and had the opportunity to step inside both chapels, including the unused ragstone Remembrance Chapel (pictured above). Designed and built by Mr John Green Hall in 1877, the Remembrance Chapel is typically closed to the public.

Informal conversations in the venue focused on the incredible potential of this beautiful site. Visitors were invited to share their suggestions for the renovated space and then write them down and post them under the AI generated images. These ideas will be carefully reviewed and considered once the site is safely repaired and operational. For a better look at some AI generated images of possible uses for the chapel, see the Projects page.

Many of the attendees also took part in three lively—and applause worthy—tours that were offered by brilliant volunteers from the Canterbury Cemetery Friends.

Trees

The first tour put the spotlight on the incredible trees at the cemetery. Guided by Liz McHenry, tree lovers on the tour followed the designated route advertised on the information board situated at the entrance to the cemetery. Most of these trees have been identified, and many will contribute to a colourful autumn display which is well worth a visit. An experienced participant was able to make up for the absence of a tree expert by adding some interesting extra observations. The cemetery is home to over 500 trees, many from around the world. Any willing tree expert would be welcome to help the Friends identify more of these trees.

More details on trees and biodiversity in the cemetery are available from the website.

History

Next on the schedule was the Open Day history tour, which was extremely well supported. Some 50 people joined the talk, which was led by Brian McHenry. During the session, the group heard about the lives and deaths of a famous novelist, an anti-apartheid lawyer, a Victoria Cross recipient, WW1 and WW2 servicemen and women, the victims of WW2 bombing raids in Canterbury, and a Jedi Warrior. With nearly 30,000 people buried in the cemetery since 1877, it’s easy to understand why there are so many compelling and poignant stories to discover and contemplate. To learn more about the history of the cemetery, explore the heritage page of the Canterbury Cemetery Friends group.

Biodiversity

The final biodiversity tour, once again led by Liz McHenry, revealed some of the hidden treasures that peacefully live and thrive in and around the cemetery. After listening to a brief explanation of the need for biodiversity, this group was first shown Section H, where there are plans to plant the area with more wildflowers. As it is mostly shady, this will limit the range of plants that will be able to thrive. The next stop on the tour was the meadow at the far end of the cemetery. This new green site is being developed as a wildflower meadow where those choosing more sustainable interment can be buried. Additional information about natural burials is available. Other plans to increase biodiversity in the cemetery are to plant a native hedge, more bulbs, and pollinator friendly flowers. Planting sessions will be advertised on the website and volunteers are welcome to help.

“The Open Day on 21st September was excellent; the talks were so interesting and informative. Thank you so much to everyone involved for their hard work in making this such a successful and friendly neighbourhood event. Even the weather was perfect!”

Penny Brown

Final words

The Canterbury Cemetery Friends would like to thank everyone who came to the Open Day. Special recognition goes to Steph Jupp, our local city councillor and deputy mayor, as well as to those who generously donated time and money towards the event. The Friends also want to thank Cemeteries Manager Jonathon Kreffer and the Canterbury City facilities management team. Their transformation of the Remembrance Chapel made it possible for the Friends to achieve outstanding results on the Open Day.

Contact us

To share your thoughts about your experiences on the Open Day or to find out more about supporting us, please send an email or use the contact form.

“I did enjoy the Open Day and all the fantastic changes the Friends have made already.”

Sarah Clement

8 June 2025:
Highlights from the commemorative plaque unveiling

On 8 June 2025, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the cemetery. The plaque (pictured above, right) tells the story of the Canterbury civilians who were victims of bombing activities that took place during the Second World War.

The ceremony opened with a welcome and a brief prayer by Revd Brian McHenry CBE (pictured above, centre, top), who was one of the many Friends in attendance. This opening was followed by a few words from several members of the community including Julian Waltho (pictured, top left), who shared the story behind the plaque project and then read the text on the plaque.

The names of all of the victims were then recited by Waltho and Jonathon Kreffer (pictured above, centre, second from top). At the conclusion of the list, the phrase, “We will remember them,” was stated and followed by two minutes of silence. The information board was then unveiled by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mrs Keji Moses (pictured above, centre, third from the top), and the service came to a close.

Honoured guests in attendance included (pictured above, lower right, left to right): Jon Kreffer, Julian Waltho, Rev Brian McHenry (back row); Canon Jo Richards, Cllr Connie Nolan, Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress Carol Reed, Cllr Pip Hazelton, Cllr Charlotte Cornell (front row).

Read more in the BBC article, Canterbury plaque to mark civilian WW2 deaths.