Although the Vestre Cemetery (Vestre Gravlund) in Oslo is situated close to a metro station and a busy road, it is a rather peaceful place. Here, the birds chirp in harmony with the bumblebees, and if you watch carefully, chances are that you will spot a squirrel.
A man with many projects
Magnus Gommerud Nielsen (37) grew up in Romsås in the outskirts of Oslo, and now lives in Vålerenga in the city centre. Magnus has worked as a gardener at the Vestre Cemetery for the past 12 years. In addition to being a gardener, he is a father of two, a member of a car collective, and has released four albums under the artist name Magnus Moriarty.
Adding to the list of his many projects and interests, Magnus has also recently become an important driving force for the green transition at the cemetery, and his involvement has had noticeable effects.
“When we use electric equipment instead of the petrol-driven and motorised equipment we were using before, we thankfully no longer need to breathe in as much exhaust fumes or be exposed to as much noise.”
Met with skepticism
Magnus was met with a fair bit of skepticism when he first started introducing greener changes into the cemetery’s daily operations. His colleagues were, after all, fond of the tools and vehicles they were already used to. Also, it does cost money to replace equipment, and all his proposals had to be approved by the City of Oslo.
“Initially, we weren’t forcing people to switch from tractors to bikes, but when the new electric cargo bikes became available, my colleagues quickly began to prefer them. People who would have sworn by diesel-powered tractors for years have suddenly started loving the bikes, and that to me is fun!” he says proudly.
One concern for Magnus initially was that the electric cargo bikes would go unused despite the many opportunities and possibilities he saw. Fortunately, that turned out not to be the case. They are in full use and the employees feel that everyday life has become easier, more comfortable and more flexible.
“Vestre Gravlund is quite large and flat, so the bicycle is a very convenient means of transport. They’ve also allowed us to limit unnecessary driving with diesel-powered equipment. If you think about it, it’s quite nonsensical to drive 50 meters in a heavy tractor with only one shovel.”
Green at heart
Magnus’ interest for cycling may be due to the fact that he is half Danish and has grown up with box bikes from Denmark, but his interest in all things green has not been limited to two wheels. Vestre Gravlund has now replaced large parts of its petrol-powered equipment with electric and quiet lawnmowers, edge mowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers thanks to Magnus’ efforts.
“I like to work with green things and find new solutions that can help make both the cemeteries and Burials Agency and Oslo greener,” he says with a smile.
Let the bumblebees buzz
Magnus explains that they try and think holistically at the cemetery whenever it comes to working on environmental solutions. Along with introducing more electrical equipment and vehicles, they have been working to strengthen and safeguard biodiversity in Vestre Gravlund.
The meadow projects they have initiated facilitate increased biodiversity and better conditions for pollinating insects. They have also planted a lot of pollinator friendly perennial plants in the flower beds that attract large amounts of bumblebees, bees and butterflies.
For the Vestre Cemetery and the Cemeteries and Burials Agency, it has been a good idea to think innovatively, and not to take for granted what they have done for years. This green mindset has created positive ripple effects that are very easy to see.