South Ealing Cemetery is set to benefit from £20,000 of improvements after Ealing Parks Foundation secured a National Lottery Award grant.
The funding will support upgrades to the cemetery’s Victorian chapels and help build on a programme of improvements already under way. With support from Ealing Council, Ealing Parks Foundation volunteers have been transforming the older part of the site into a welcoming park for visitors. Last year it was announced as one of 10 new parks created in the borough.
Plans, tours and family fun
There is a host of activities planned to showcase the work that has been done, and an opportunity to find out more about plans for the future. Come along to an open day at South Ealing Cemetery, (South Ealing Road entrance), on Saturday 6 June.
From 11am to 3pm, visitors can enjoy:
- tours of the chapels and talks about plans for their restoration
- children’s activities
- refreshments
- tips from Ealing Wildlife Group about how to make your garden more hedgehog-friendly
- wildlife walks and guided walks with stories about the servicemen and servicewomen buried at the cemetery.
- a market with crafts and vintage stalls
Register for free online to attend the open day.
This is the first in a series of events that the EPF has planned for the summer, including a bat walk on Friday 24 July.
Restoring history, boosting nature
Work has already been carried out at the site to cut back overgrown shrubs, plant bulbs and wildflowers, and restore the chapel tower clock so the bell – silent for 10 years – can ring once again.
The grant will now help take this work further, with plans for new planting around the war memorial, better signage, bat and bird boxes, and gardening equipment to support volunteers. The group is also exploring ideas such as an audio nature and history trail and more nature-based activities to encourage community involvement.
Nature and heritage
EPF co-chair Jane Fernley said: “We are delighted with this award. Ealing Parks Foundation have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from visitors since we first became involved here and this money will enable us to do more to help people understand better the fantastic nature and heritage of this very special place.”
Councillor Lauren Wall, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “Congratulations to Ealing Parks Foundation on this fantastic National Lottery grant, and a huge thank you to the volunteers whose care, time and enthusiasm have already made such a difference at South Ealing Cemetery. Their hard work is helping to make the cemetery an even more welcoming and special place, where people can connect with its history and nature whilst being respectful of its peaceful surroundings. It is an example of what can be achieved when we all work together, and the council will continue to support Ealing Parks Foundation’s efforts.”
Get involved
If you are interested in volunteering at South Ealing Cemetery, visit the Ealing Parks Foundation website.
