Dear residents
We are aware that unfortunately Odiham Cemetery is not currently looking as tidy and as well maintained as it could be and we issue this statement by way of apology and explanation.
The grass cutting frequency is dictated by a contract specification which was set by OPC and doesn’t allow for adverse growing conditions. Climate Change is real and the milder winter resulted in the grass being very long at the start of the growing season which impacts cutting techniques and work time, especially during the first few cuts in the year. There are currently only 10 cuts per year.
We inspected the cemetery first thing this morning and spoke with our grounds contractor, Larkstel Ltd, and we’re now working together on a plan of action to see whether it’s possible to revise the specification in line with available budgets. Larkstel Ltd have tended Odiham Parish Council open space sites for four years now and provided an excellent service to the Parish, including proposing and actioning contract revisions to support our Biodiversity Action Plan.
We’re aware there are areas of grass cutting which look patchy and this is due to different mowing techniques and differing ground levels due to sunken graves. This should settle out as we move forward through the growing season and the cutting frequency increases but we will research how the older plots can be levelled.
We are also aware of reports that some ornaments and plants have been damaged during the recent cut. The grounds maintenance contract is based on Odiham Cemetery being a lawn cemetery which would enable cutting with a box mower and limited strimming – hence why some plot holders have received a letter asking for their support in removing/reducing unauthorised tributes from plots. This is something we have actioned following complaints from other plot owners and following storms which left debris strewn across the cemetery. Our contractor advises that there’s a risk that any ornament left on the grass area of a grave plot is at risk of being hit by a strimmer.
We thank residents for their understanding and support and, with full support from Larkstel Ltd, hope you will soon notice an improvement.
The Cemetery rules can be viewed at