Preparations for Heritage Open Days are gathering pace at Ballast Hills Burial Ground.
Volunteers made excellent progress during the 4 August 2026 Green Day, concentrating on the Albion Row entry way, the upright gravestones, and the gravestone pathways. They carefully removed weeds, leaves, and accumulated soil, revealing more of the stonework and making the routes clearer for visitors.
The before-and-after photographs show the difference that a few hours of patient work can make.
We are especially grateful to the Ouseburn Trust Environmental Group volunteers, whose hard work, care, and practical support made a significant contribution to these sessions.
Our remaining scheduled Green Day will take place on Tuesday 1 September, but more work remains before Heritage Open Days on Saturday 19 September. We hope to arrange additional sessions during the weeks leading up to the event.
Anyone interested in helping should contact ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk. We can also arrange a bespoke Green Day on another suitable date when a group of five or more volunteers can attend.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed time, energy, and care. Each session helps us to prepare the burial ground to welcome visitors and share its remarkable history.
