Parkstone Cemetery: Views, Flowers & Wildlife

A peaceful resting place for so many who have passed and a haven for foxes, squirrels, birds, insects and flowers

Parkstone Cemetery, in Elgin Road, Poole, is a place of serenity and sanctuary, hidden away from the busy environment that surrounds it.

With its varied architectural monuments that reveal the favoured styles of the time, it’s an interesting place to take a wander.

There are a couple of ‘old’ sections that feel distinct from the rest of the cemetery. These have many elaborate headstones, the like of which would be beyond the reach of most people to be able to afford nowadays, even if they wanted to.

There is much to see at all times of the year, but springtime is especially nice with swathes of crocuses, primroses and daffodils, followed by an abundance of bluebells and other flowers. The council leaves the cemetery to go wild for much of that time, even though a few people complain that it “looks untidy.”

Personally, I think a natural-looking cemetery is more in keeping with its purpose (a burial place). I would rather my relatives or friends were surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers than be laid to rest somewhere that has been manicured to within an inch of its life.

In terms of wildlife, foxes often frequent the cemetery, wandering further afield to establish their territories or look for a mate.  Squirrels and woodpeckers have holes in the trees and the chatter of excited crows, magpies and jays abounds, in addition to birdsong from smaller birds. The cemetery is full of insects too: butterflies, bees, hoverflies etc and more.