Inside the mystery of the graveyard with tiny tombstones hidden in woods

A PARK that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually is known for another unusual reason.

Penrhos Coastal Park is one of Wales’ hidden gems.

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Separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait, the park is popular for its beautiful and varied scenery.

But for decades, people have gathered in a patch of woods within the 200-acre park to mourn the loss of previous pets.

Nestled in the forest is an animal cemetery where dozens of animals have been buried since the 1980s.

The unique site is home to more than 50 tombstones on the site, many dating from the 1980s, and is open to the public.

Many are inscribed with loving remembrance messages.

Thousands of people visit the coastal park every year, but some are perplexed when they come across the animal shrine on their journey.

Not for everyone, but for many an idyllic resting place for four-legged companions.

In 2019, a group of volunteers gave the space a much-needed makeover – washing down 60 tombstones and weeding the grounds.

And while previous pet owners have sadly passed away over the decades, a new breed of pet mourners is tending the space — with several newer headstones added more recently.

Meanwhile, a pet cemetery in Rossendale, Lancashire became the first to offer shared burials in the UK, with the first being in 1995.

Being buried with your dog was generally not an option.

However, in recent years the practice has become increasingly popular.

Some shared cemeteries now allow pets and owners to be buried on the same lot.

Cremation is an easier option for people who want to be buried with their pet because no additional property is required.

In 2019, Hilary Hughes was buried with her rescue lurcher Patsy at the pet cemetery in Brynford, Flintshire, North Wales, after losing her battle with cancer.