The House of Life project has greening of the environment at its heart. Why not come and see how things are progressing?
Bird Watch 2025
“The birds of the air nest behind the springs, they sing among the branches
The trees of the Lord have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,
Where the birds build their nests;
The stork makes her home in the Cypresses”
(Psalm 24)
From the earliest biblical times, the Jewish people have been guided on the importance of the protection of birds and ensuring their continuity.
The House of Life, together with the guidance of the RSPB, is proud to take positive advantage of the available natural resources to encourage the growing number of birds now to be seen in urban areas.
The connection between Willesden Jewish Cemetery and the RSPB goes back over 80 years with the burial here of one of the earliest members of the RSPB as well as its first Honorary Secretary - Hannah Poland (Hannah Lemel 18 May 1873 - 16 February 1942). From an early age she was an active bird conservationist and the then Society for the Protection of Birds benefitted from her enthusiasm and active work in promoting the Society.
Willesden Jewish Cemetery was, prior to its opening in 1873, farming and pasturing fields owned by All Souls College Oxford. Its purchase was to serve the growing communities of West and North West London who were still restricted to burying their dead in the cemeteries close to the communities of the East End of London.
The cemetery today is still used for its original purpose, but with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is now a landmark attraction for tourists interested in Anglo Jewish history or to visit a peaceful oasis, as well as those searching for the final resting place of long departed family. The cemetery has almost reached capacity with some 29,000 plots, but there are still trees, grassland and plenty of other nesting places to attract an increasing number of migrant birds many of which have not been previously seen in inner London urban areas.
In conjunction with the RSPB, the House of Life team, together with their dedicated volunteers, have drawn up a programme of eco-friendly projects to ensure and increase the habitation of birds in the area. New plantings are already underway and the existing trees and bushes are carefully nurtured to provide a healthy environment.
Although surrounded by horror and death, the ever-optimistic Anne Frank wrote the following in her famous diary "I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles".
The House of Life exists, not only to honour the departed, but also to acknowledge the importance and benefits of the natural living world.
Gerry Lucas, House of Life Volunteer
January 2025
The central trees in the Old Ground have been trained to form a shady canopy over the path. We are building “claire-voies”, or viewing points, in the outside wall. Passers-by will be able to see through these new metal grilles to a newly planted avenue in the Pound Lane Field.
An empty family plot has become a new garden. There will be colourful planting around the war memorial, and in the beds around the Lodge.
Sustainable future
We are experimenting with new and sustainable ways of managing the environment. Look out for the white arrow signs. These mark out big squares where we are trialling new treatments for the earth around the graves. We have stopped some herbicide spraying. In other places new low-lying plants cover the ground.
Do let us know what you think.
Volunteer with us
Volunteers receive a full induction and training and development and travel expenses. Volunteering hours are generally flexible, however we are looking for reliable and committed volunteers for each role.