The Mendip Hospital Cemetery in Wells, recently granted Grade II listed status by Historic England, is calling for volunteers to help preserve and maintain the historic site.

The burial ground and its chapel have been recognised for their significance to the area's social history, but its future depends on support from the community.

The Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery, a volunteer group that oversees the three-acre site, is seeking new members to join their team. They urgently need a treasurer and a secretary to assist with administrative tasks, promote the cemetery to visitors, and ensure its historical importance is shared.

There is also a pressing need for gardening volunteers to help maintain the site. The team meets every Thursday to mow, strim, prune, and cultivate the grounds, keeping the cemetery in good condition for visitors.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: "The Grade II listing is a wonderful recognition of the cemetery's place in our shared history, but we can't do this without help. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we're appealing to the community to come forward and support this vital work."

Anyone interested in joining the team should contact Clare Blackmore, Vice Chair, at [email protected] or the lead gardening volunteer at [email protected].

The Mendip Hospital Cemetery is not only an important piece of Wells' history but also a peaceful space for reflection. With more hands on deck, the site can continue to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.