Two years into the restoration project of the burial site for patients from the former St Lawrence's Hospital in Caterham-on-the-Hill, the Surrey and Borders NHS Trust have given the area to Chaldon Village Council.

Following the closure of the hospital in 1994, the burial ground became overgrown to the concern of local residents and walkers. They feared the original purpose of the site would become buried under scrub and bramble.

Chaldon Village Council decided to act and with the aid of grants from Tandridge District Council and Surrey County Council and hours of volunteer help from local people and the Downlands Countryside Management Project, the area has been transformed.

The restoration has included the installation of a chainsaw carved seat, bird boxes and a memorial board that tells visitors about the burial ground. Several cub and beaver scout groups have visited the site to learn about the historical and environmental work taking place.

The future of the burial ground and its wildlife has now been assured. One young couple, observing the changes over the last two years said: "This is what a burial ground should look like".

Images of the work carried out can be viewed at the Downlands Trust Facebook Site. If you would like to get involved with the environmental work please contact Julia Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.