British war cemeteries in Belgium are no longer allowed to use pesticides. As a result weeds are thriving at the cemeteries in Flanders Fields, but in recent months gardeners from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission have been getting extra support from staff employed by social employment companies. These are people who have a hard time finding a job on the regular labour market and are able to benefit from subsidized employment schemes.
British cemeteries in West Flanders have a reputation to keep up. Not a blade of grass is out of place, but in recent months gardeners have been facing an uphill struggle as they battle to contend with weeds while they are no longer able to use pesticides. “This year there was a lot of rain and hot weather: excellent weather for weeds to grow” explains Franky Colson, a gardener working for the British War Graves Commission. “Fortunately we are getting a lot of assistance from the people from Westlandia, the social employment firm”.
Westlandia is based in Ieper. Director Ignace De Ro says this is an excellent opportunity for workers with a handicapp: “Co-operation was a success from the start, and we are now expanding the number of teams. The War Graves Commission too is pleased with the co-operation and intends to repeat it at other Belgian cemeteries: the co-operation not only means the commission can count on more staff but there is also an exchange of expertise. Similar co-operation initiatives may now start across Europe.
The commission has also introduced several changes to combat the growth in weeds: borders are becoming narrower and more plants are being planted. In this way the room for weeds is reduced. Experiments with humus and compost are also being made.