Projects
Abney Park Cemetery
Filed under: Green Space & Conservation Hackney
Park life
Life is rife in Abney Park Cemetery in Hackney,
north east London. Ivy-clad Victorian monuments nestle in 32 acres of
mature woodland, wildflowers, wildlife.
This green oasis is
largely down to a local campaign to save the cemetery from vandalism
and neglect, which began in the 1980s. The park has since been
designated an architectural conservation area and Hackneys first local
nature reserve.
A green space for local people
The
London Borough of Hackney owns the site, but it is managed by Abney
Park Cemetery Trust. The Trust, made up of local people, was formed in
1991, and granted a lease on the site in 1992.
The Trust aims to
maintain the sites unique value, develop opportunities for the local
community and bring more people to the park. Students carried out
research into peoples needs and how they felt about the parkland.
In
response to their suggestions, the Trust opened a visitors information
centre and runs childrens activities, guided walks, and a wide range of
educational activities about history and wildlife.
A free
schools educational programme, supported by a full-time education
officer, encourages local primary and secondary schools to use the
natural woodland environment as an outdoor classroom. The park
and its resources are ideal for studying subjects including science,
geography and history. For example, rocks found in Abney Park monuments
are studied in a childrens workshop called ?250The story of the rock
?261 the bones of the earth?306. Children can also discover
sustainability and biodiversity through learning the role of ?250little
rotters?306 in the cycle of matter and energy.
Partners, volunteers and funds
The
Trust has established links with local groups on environmental issues,
and has worked with housing estates, schools, and groups for the
elderly and youth.
Since it received funding from the National
Lottery in 1998, the project has expanded, with the community becoming
increasingly involved in the management, use and maintenance of the
park.
To help address the boroughs high unemployment, the
Trust offers valuable work experience and learning skills for the
unemployed and young people and children excluded from mainstream
education. Regular volunteers can gain a NVQ in Environmental
Conservation. Volunteers use timber from the woodland to construct
pathways, and compost generated on site for gardening. The Trust also
recruits volunteers to give guided walks.
A tree sponsorship
project has raised funds to help with re-planting an extensive
arboretum with trees relevant to different cultures. This is
reminiscent of the park in 1840, when it had the largest collection of
trees and shrubs in Europe. However, the idea is not only about
recreating its history, but about updating Hackneys park for the 21st.
Century.
Planning for the future
The trustees
have learnt the importance of sharing information and skills and being
well organised in promoting the project. They aim to continue to reach
out to the entire local community, and are currently targeting
teenagers and women with woodworks projects.
Project Address
| The South Lodge |
| Stoke Newington High Street |
| London |
| N16 0LN |