Our Impact: Conserving Community, Heritage and Nature at Arnos Vale Cemetery
A vital green sanctuary in south Bristol
Nestled in the heart of south Bristol, Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust is a living, breathing 45-acre green space where history, nature, and community come together.
As a registered charity, we protect and care for this unique heritage site. Continuing our original purpose of providing a tranquil resting place for the dead, our work encompasses ecological restoration and wildlife conservation to wellbeing programmes, arts events, and inclusive community engagement.
Every year, we connect thousands of people with nature, heritage, and each other. Through skills workshops, volunteering and peaceful reflection on our woodland trails, our work fosters resilience, belonging, and wellbeing.
Supporting Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust is an investment in people, place, and purpose.
Our Year in Numbers
volunteer hours dedicated to hands-on conservation
school children exploring Bristol's heritage & discovering nature
metres of English Yew planted creating a haven for wildlife
Christmas trees sold at our annual festive fundraiser
events entertaining audiences with music, theatre, and magic
The difference we make
Edie, Intern
Funded through a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund, internship placements at Arnos Vale Cemetery are supporting the next generation of nature enthusiasts to gain skills and feel inspired to work in the conservation sector.
“My internship at Arnos Vale Cemetery is giving me an idea of what jobs in the sector would entail; conservation no longer feels like an abstract idea. Before coming to Arnos Vale I’d never used power tools like a strimmer or shredder. It’s been a supportive environment for learning, and I’ve been able to develop my skillset at a comfortable pace.”
Green Skills Muddy Boot Camp
In February 2025 we piloted our Muddy Boots Skills Course for young people not in education, training or employment to gain experience, skills and confidence of working in the conservation sector.
Read our evaluation report to find out more. (pdf 4mb)
“I’ve lived near Arnos Vale all my life but never realised how important the site was, I’ve learned so much on the course"
“I thought the course would just be practical tasks, but I’ve really enjoyed learning about the nature and the history of the site”
Shane, Shop Volunteer
Shane became a frequent visitor during the Covid pandemic lockdowns. He found a special significance here after the loss of his father, as it gave him a place to reflect and gain perspective on life and loss. After studying Classical Studies with the Open University, he was looking to gain experience in the heritage/culture sector.
“It’s a privilege to join the volunteers at Arnos Vale, to gain some experience, and give back a little to a place that had become very important to me. I’ve been a volunteer for over three years now, and I’ve greatly enjoyed being part of the team, helping with events, talking to visitors, and being part of their stories.”
Supporting biodiversity
Ecological surveys conducted in 2023, revisiting surveys carried out in 2004, show that our approach to land management and the contribution of volunteers is supporting the diversification of wildlife and plant life across the once overgrown site.
The landscape now hosts over 350 species of plants and animals including protected colonies of breeding bats, birds, butterflies, badgers and slow worms. Micro-habitats around graves support further rare and nationally scarce species, including ivy broomrape, field scabious and rusty fork moss, which is nearing extinction in England.
Read more in this ecology summary report, funded with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Arnos Vale in Numbers
acres of woodland, scrub & speicies-rich grassland
species of invertebrates inc. 24 of conservation concern
species of bat inc. red-listed Lesser horseshoes
varieties of moss bringing life to old graves
visitor trips recorded by gate counters
Working Together – Our Supportive Community of Partners
We’re incredibly grateful to our network of local businesses, independent traders, community groups, and generous individuals who have supported Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust over the past year.
Whether through pro bono services, donated materials, volunteering time, sharing expertise or trusted supply partnerships — your contributions make our work possible.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who share in our vision and help bring it to life.
- Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery
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University of the West of England Green Futures Project
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Bloomberg Connects
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University of Bristol – Archaeology and Anthropology Department, Geography Department
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Bristol City Council Post-16 Team
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Tree Fest at St Mary Redcliffe Parish Church
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Bath City College
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Mullers
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Westonbirt Arboretum
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The Outdoor Project
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Hillcrest Primary School
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Bristol Chamber Choir
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Bristol Madrigal Choir
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Companion Voices Bristol
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Changes Bristol
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Ryder Architects
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Royal British Legion
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RSPB Bristol
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Highgate Cemetery
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Brunel Flowers
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On Site Rail Services
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CRBS Scaffolding
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Divine Ceremony
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Thomas Davis Funeral Directors
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Voscur
- Aquarius Waste Management
Help us do even more
If you're inspired by our impact and would like to support our work, we’d love to hear from you. Please send an email to info@arnosvale.org.uk for the attention of our Chief Executive Ann Fiddler.
