Following a well attended public meeting at Wells Town hall in August 2000, attended by people concerned that the site could be sold for development, a commitee was formed to come up with proposals as to the future management and use of the site that will be acceptable to local people and the NHS.

A trust, known as 'Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery' has been constituted, and support to retain the cemetery as a memorial to a vanished piece of English Social History has been sought.

Our Vision Statement

A unique urban nature reserve where visitors can find rest, observe wild flora and fauna and view an exhibition of the role the Mendip hospital played in the Victorian Era.

Objectives

• Plan the Technical, logistical and financial requirements of creating a unique urban nature reserve and information centre.
• Register the reserve with Mendip District Council for long term legal protection
• Use a grid system for the layout of the reserve so as to respect the graves as well as provide and safeguard habitat for a wide variety of wild birds and animals
• Plant meadow flowers, herbs, specific shrubs and trees that require low maintenance yet attract wildlife and birds along with strategic placing of bird nesting boxes
• Ensure that the layout of the reserve allows access for disabled people, provides places of rest and information for blind people - i.e. paths for wheelchairs, a scented garden with rail and brail notices, seats and benches etc.
• Refurbish the chapel so that it may:
  • Be a place of peace and house the graveyard records as well as information about the social, historical and economic place the Mendip Hospital - The Bath and Wells County Asylum - played in the community.
  • Explain the ecology and environmental benefits of the graveyard.

Committee

Chairman Tony Everard
Secretary Barbara Bowring
Treasurer Andy Nelson