Social History / arnos vale cemetery
Arnos Vale announces a busy spring events programme
For those that have yet to discover the gothic splendour and natural beauty of Arnos Vale Cemetery – featuring in the recent Agatha Christie Netflix adaptation, Seven Dials – a busy and eclectic spring programme of events and activities has an abundance to offer prospective visitors.
The historic site spans 45 acres of grassland, woodland, wild spaces, linked by formal concrete paths and a matrix of criss-crossing tracks beaten into the landscape by those seeking to be closer to nature.
As well as being the final resting place of a host of ‘notable residents’, Arnos Vale is home to a diverse array of plants, trees and wild flowers, and a haven for wildlife.
Several birds and birdsong tours of Arnos Vale will take place over the spring
Weekend guided tours help to elucidate the history of the cemetery, as well as tree identification, folk story specials and birdsong-themed walks that promise “a unique aural experience” as visitors explore the landscape.
In April, there will be a ‘spring awakening’ mindful walk with wellbeing coach Dr Miriam Ricci, a seasonal flowers journey, and regular bat tours with Dan Flew, a local ecologist.
A Winter tree identification tour is planned for March 15
Through the first half of May, several walks will be running as part of Bristol Walk Fest – all free to participants, with donations gratefully received.
Elsewhere at Arnos Vale, a programme of talks (variously in-person and online) includes the forthcoming topics: ‘Did Victorians believe heavy drinking caused Spontaneous Human Combustion?’; ‘The case for a ‘Body Farm’ in the UK’; and ‘The Great Mortality – Black Death 1348-1351’.
Dr. Pam Lock from the University of Bristol will be asking: ‘Did Victorians believe heavy drinking caused Spontaneous Human Combustion?; an online and in-person talk on March 18
Other special events taking place on site include the semi-regular Death Café, running at the Spielman Café on a bimonthly basis, as well as a spring Wedding Fair, and May Fair – a free-entry day replete with local makers, food and drink, live performances, and activities for all the family.
And the family programme doesn’t end there. A plethora of workshops on offer for all ages includes fire lighting, seed bomb making, clay critter creating, leaf craft, den building and pond dipping, as well as a series of Julia Donaldson-inspired ‘stomping stories’.
A lovely leaves craft workshop is aimed at young children and families
For further details to all upcoming events and activities at Arnos Vale, visit www.arnosvale.org.uk.
All photos: Arnos Vale
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