A little-known town centre graveyard is being transformed into a thriving community garden and oasis of peace.

The Zion Community Garden, tucked away behind a line of trees at the edge of Morrisons car park, contains scores of graves – many more than a century old, with substantial kerb stone borders and grand headstones. Some of Morley’s most prominent families are buried here, their resting places forming part of the town’s long history.

Just four years ago, however, the graveyard was a very different place. Overgrown with grass, weeds and brambles, it was an unwelcoming tangle that made maintenance almost impossible. In 2021, Morley Community Church took responsibility for the site when it acquired the premises and estate of the former Zion Independent Chapel, first established in 1852. Faced with the daunting task of restoring the space, church members saw an opportunity to create something life-giving from what had been neglected for so long.

Rather than leave the graves hidden beneath weeds, they began to reimagine the space. The substantial stone borders of the old kerb-stoned graves turned out to be perfect ready-made raised beds. Today, these are bursting with vegetables, herbs and flowers. Over the last few years, thousands of naturalising bulbs have been planted, alongside a new pond, a wild hedgerow and a community orchard. Bird boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog-friendly corners encourage wildlife, while compost heaps, a wormery and water butts help ensure the garden is run on sustainable principles.

The result is striking. The churchyard is now ablaze with colour, filled with scent and alive with the hum of bees and other insects. Visitors find themselves surprised to discover “edible graves,” producing raspberries, strawberries, potatoes, rhubarb, onions and beans. Much of the harvest is shared through the church’s foodbank or donated to local social projects, while cut flowers are distributed to the sick, the elderly and others in need of encouragement.

The project has also changed the way the space is used. Where once it was a place people avoided, it is now somewhere they come to rest and reflect. Two benches provide places to pause in the heart of the town, and many shoppers make a detour to enjoy a few moments of calm. The garden has become not only a green space, but also a meeting point and a talking point.

Art and creativity have flourished too. An “Art in the Garden” programme now offers bi-monthly workshops, open to adults and children alike. Inspired by the sights and sounds of the garden, participants use drawing, painting and craft to express their creativity. These sessions are proving popular, helping people connect with nature and with one another.

The vision and energy behind the transformation have come from church member and pianist Rowan Taylor. A gardener by profession, she has combined practical skill with artistic imagination, guiding the project from an overgrown challenge into a flourishing haven. She describes the work as “a privilege,” and those who visit are quick to share their appreciation.