Public Consultation: Baby Remembrance Garden Enhancement Survey

We are seeking your views on the future of the Baby Remembrance Garden within Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery. This is a special place for reflection, remembrance, and quiet connection. We recognise that the current space feels somewhat plain and would like to explore ways to enhance it, making it more welcoming, comforting, and meaningful for all who visit.
At this stage, we are not proposing specific designs. Instead, we want to understand the feelings, preferences, and general atmosphere the community would value most in this space.

Please note: Any images included in this document are for illustrative purposes only. They are intended to show examples of possible styles, features, or ideas, and will not necessarily represent what is ultimately installed in the garden.

Overall Feel and Atmosphere

We would like to hear your thoughts on the overall character of the garden. For example:
• Should the space remain simple, and understated?
• Would you welcome more colour and visual warmth?
• Should the garden feel traditional, contemporary, or themed in some way?

Seating

1.Seating can play an important role in how people experience the space. We would appreciate your views on the style of benches, such as:

• Simple and understated designs

• Colourful or visually distinctive seating

• Themed benches (e.g. nature-inspired, child-focused)

• Commemorative benches

Interactive or Creative Elements

2.We are considering whether the garden could include gentle, optional activities, particularly for children and families. These would be designed to support remembrance and expression in a sensitive way.
We would like your views on features such as:

• Spaces for creative activities (e.g. drawing, etching, or rubbings)

• Areas where visitors can leave decorated pebbles or small tokens

• Elements that encourage quiet interaction or personal reflection

Please let us know whether you feel these would be appropriate, and if so, what kind of activities you would prefer.

Memorial Features

3.Memorial elements are central to the purpose of the garden. We would like to understand your preferences around:

• Reflective and subtle memorial features

• More colourful or expressive memorials

• Themed memorial elements

Planting and Landscaping

4.Planting can greatly influence the mood of the garden. We are interested in your thoughts on:

• Traditional planting schemes

• Bright, colourful planting to bring warmth and vibrancy

• Muted or monochrome planting

• Seasonal variation versus year-round consistency

Final Thoughts

This consultation is an opportunity for you to help shape a space that holds deep meaning for many people. We welcome all feedback, whether detailed suggestions or general impressions.

Please share any additional ideas, thoughts, or feelings about how the Baby Remembrance Garden could be improved to better support remembrance, comfort, and connection.

5.Other thoughts…