This paper will explore the challenges and tasks facing the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in a changing world.
For example, with many nations, and the wider public, now far more concerned about environmental protection, the use of pesticides is becoming increasingly problematic, and in many instances outlawed. Climate change, and trying to predict its effects and impacts, also requires much consideration and thought. And as the estate ages, there are new conservation and preservation issues to be considered. All of these challenges require much attention from skilled and knowledgeable staff, which has implications for staffing and training.
Gareth Hardware, the CWGC’s head of horticulture for north-western Europe, and project manager for the Commission’s new visitor centre at Beaurains, will take us through these issues and the current thinking of the Commission.