WHILE I have every sympathy with John Roberts (Evening News, Page 1, June 19) and May Williams (Page 5, June 2) I do wonder if we as a nation are not too pre-occupied with "tidiness" at the expense of our environment.

I regard Astwood Cemetery as a green haven of tranquillity and peace in a heavily-populated area. Possibly the cemetery should be managed in an environmentally-friendly manner where the city council can save money, friends and relatives can remember loved ones in a beautiful natural setting, and Worcester benefits from a superb area that will attract wildlife.

I totally agree that the cemetery needs management to ensure good access and security, but this needs planning carefully to optimise the potential of this area.

I am not suggesting that the site is allowed to become an area of impenetrable undergrowth but that it is managed to provide a wealth of habitats and an area of beauty in which people and wildlife can enjoy.

What a tragedy it would be to miss this opportunity and instead create another desert of closely mown turf.

Speaking personally I would prefer to remember loved one in an area which is full of wildflowers, butterflies and birds than in a piece of sterile parkland.

An opportunity exists for Worcester City Council to use its financial resources to maximum effect. Priorities can be channelled into the security of cemetery grounds, proper maintenance of required access and annual cutting to maintain the rich flora.

I think it is quite possible that local conservation and wildlife groups would be willing to contribute towards this enlightened approach. As an ecologist and garden designer I would be pleased to offer my services.

CHRIS CALIGARI,

Garden designer,

St John's, Worcester.