The House of Life project has greening of the environment at its heart. Why not come and see how things are progressing?
Sheep and grass
The land on which the cemetery sits was once sheep pasture and allotments. For many years hedges and shrubs were planted around graves.
Later, new burial plots took over grassy areas and the greenery disappeared. The grounds of Willesden Cemetery started to look more bare in places than other cemeteries.
Our new horticulture plans for the cemetery have twin aims. They echo the planting that was here in the past and promote new bursts of nature.
Planting in empty spaces by our gardening volunteers helps a variety of species to return to the cemetery. Wild flowers are thriving in Section QX and there are bird boxes and insect hotels around the site.
New planting
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.