Fury after school took 40 pupils to cemetery for 'nature lessons'

Schoolchildren using a cemetery for 'nature lessons' have sparked fury amongst locals who say they can hear shrieks and shouts as the kids romp among the gravestones.

One woman living next to Penzance cemetery in Cornwall claims she sees up to 40 school pupils running through and said it showed a lack of respect for the dead and their grieving families.

Diana Jenkin said she and neighbours were first alerted to the lessons when she heard 'lots of noise' emanating from the cemetery at Heamoor.

'People are laid to rest there. I thought, why can I hear lots of children? I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

'I know I'm of an age, but we were brought up to be respectful of the dead. My younger neighbours also thought it was strange that lots of children were being taught in the cemetery.

'They were using it like a playing field, but it's not a playing field.

'There are plenty of places around Penzance that have beautiful nature trails which would be more suitable for the pupils' said Mrs Jenkin, who claims at least two schools have brought pupils to the cemetery.

'I've never seen anything like this since I've lived here, and I've lived here for almost 45 years.'

Cornwall Council and its civil engineering contractor Cormac said: 'We understand and respect the concern about using Penzance Cemetery for educational sessions.

'The sessions hosted by Urban Green Shoots and Budding Nature are designed to nurture a sense of community pride and environmental respect among the younger generation.'

The council said that during the sessions students 'engaged in thoughtful discussions about the cemetery's significance, providing them with an opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving such meaningful spaces'.

'The cemetery serves as a busy thoroughfare and green corridor, providing an essential link across the town, it said.

'The educational sessions aim to emphasise its importance in the local community and educate children about nature and wildlife in an urban setting.

'We fully recognise the cemetery as a place of remembrance and are dedicated to ensuring that all activities held there are conducted with utmost respect and consideration.

'Engaging with the younger members of our community in this manner will hopefully inspire them to become responsible and compassionate citizens in the future. 

'We genuinely appreciate the feedback and will carefully consider it as we strive to enhance biodiversity and community engagement in the area.'

Urban Green Shoots is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Cornwall Council has been chosen by as a lead authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the SPF in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, until the fund ends in March next year.

SPF aims to help Urban Green Shoots work in some of Cornwall's most deprived neighbourhoods.

The spokesperson added 'The funding is intended to address the barriers to economic growth and increase wellbeing by providing access to high-quality green space close to where children live.

'In Penzance, which has high levels of deprivation, the cemetery is a space close to some of the most affected communities. Improving the environment close to where they live stands to benefit these communities the most.'