Cornwall Council says it understands and respects concerns about a Cornish cemetery being used for education sessions for local schoolchildren.

It comes after a neighbour was astonished to see up to 40 pupils running through the cemetery, which she described as “disrespectful”. Diana Jenkin conveyed with her concerns about Penzance Cemetery being used as a venue for nature lessons for students in the town. She said: “People are laid to rest there – it’s so disrespectful.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council and its arm’s length civil engineering contractor Cormac said: “We understand and respect the concern about using Penzance Cemetery for educational sessions. The sessions hosted by Urban Green Shoots and Budding Nature are designed to nurture a sense of community pride and environmental respect among the younger generation.”

Mrs Jenkin said she and neighbours were first alerted to the lessons when she heard lots of noise emanating from the cemetery at Heamoor. “I thought, why can I hear lots of children? I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” she added.

“I know I’m of an age, but we were brought up to be respectful of the dead. My younger neighbours also thought it was strange that lots of children were being taught in the cemetery. They were using it like a playing field, but it’s not a playing field.

“There are plenty of places around Penzance that have beautiful nature trails which would be more suitable for the pupils,” said Mrs Jenkin, who says at least two schools have brought pupils to the cemetery. “I’ve never seen anything like this since I’ve lived here, and I’ve lived here for almost 45 years.”

The council / Cormac spokesperson responded to her concerns, stating that during the sessions, students engaged in thoughtful discussions about the cemetery’s significance, providing them with an opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving such meaningful spaces.

“The cemetery serves as a busy thoroughfare and green corridor, providing an essential link across the town. The educational sessions aim to emphasise its importance in the local community and educate children about nature and wildlife in an urban setting.

“We fully recognise the cemetery as a place of remembrance and are dedicated to ensuring that all activities held there are conducted with utmost respect and consideration.”

They added: “Engaging with the younger members of our community in this manner will hopefully inspire them to become responsible and compassionate citizens in the future. We genuinely appreciate the feedback and will carefully consider it as we strive to enhance biodiversity and community engagement in the area.”

Urban Green Shoots is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Cornwall Council has been chosen by as a lead authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the SPF in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, until the fund ends in March next year.

SPF aims to help Urban Green Shoots work in some of Cornwall’s most deprived neighbourhoods. The spokesperson added: “The funding is intended to address the barriers to economic growth and increase wellbeing by providing access to high-quality green space close to where children live.

“In Penzance, which has high levels of deprivation, the cemetery is a space close to some of the most affected communities. Improving the environment close to where they live stands to benefit these communities the most.”