Twenty sailors from HMS St Albans visited the city to plant a hedge in the district’s green burial ground in Hatfield Road cemetery. 

They were joined by six police officers from St Albans Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Mayor of St Albans District as they planted a native hedge around the perimeter of the area.

The hedge is made of hawthorn, field maple, guelder rose and alder buckthorn, four species chosen for their beauty and sustainability. 

In an earlier event organised by St Albans Masorti Synagogue on Sunday, November 16 during Interfaith Week, 20 volunteers worked in heavy rain to clear the ground. 

The green burials area is a small meadow in a previously unused part of the cemetery adjoining the Alban Way boundary with space for about 80 graves. It has been created for those who want a grave in a quiet secluded place surrounded by wildflowers and trees. 

Councillor Geoff Harrison, Mayor of St Albans, said: "I want to thank the volunteers from HMS St Albans, Hertfordshire Constabulary and St Albans Masorti Synagogue who have worked so hard at Hatfield Road cemetery. Their efforts have helped improve the visual impact of the green burial area and its peaceful atmosphere, and will be appreciated for years to come. I also want to thank Anatolia Restaurant and the McGowan Group for treating the police and sailors to a meal." 

Lieutenant Tom Bowers is a trainee Weapon Engineer Officer in HMS St Albans and led the party of sailors. The 29-year-old said: "Working here is an interesting departure from the ship’s routine business. I have never seen so many trees planted but in the navy we can generally turn our hand to anything and were really pleased to help out."

The council has prepared a draft management plan for Hatfield Road Cemetery and is asking for views and comments on it. The plan sets out further improvements that the council is proposing to make over the next five years and also describes the way the cemetery is managed. Proposed improvements include reducing the height of the yew trees obscuring the Chapel, surrounding compost bins with willow fence panels and capturing all Burial Register data electronically.

To comment visit: www.stalbans.gov.uk/consultations or request a paper copy from Ann Collings on 01727 819362. Send your comments to Ann at ann.collings@stalbans.gov.uk by January 8 2015.