Bunhill Fields is a Nonconformist cemetery of great historical interest. Owned as a public space since 1867 by the City of London, the burial ground is designated as a Grade II listed building. The 17th century writers Daniel Defoe (Gulliver’s Travels) and John Bunyan (Pilgrim’s Progress) are both buried here, as is poet and visionary William Blake. It is a popular leafy retreat for lunchtime picnickers from local offices.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
Borough: Islington
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 1.63 ha
Description
Wildlife
Today the burial ground has an open woodland ambience, with around 130 trees including many mature London plane, lime and horse-chestnut trees. The moist conditions and funerary stonework encourage a lush growth of mosses and lichens, and several unusual species have been recorded.Birds benefiting from the trees on the site include great tit, blue tit, wren, robin and pigeons. Interestingly, a pair of spotted flycatchers bred here some years ago, although this bird has now declined drastically (see link).Facilities
Historic features; sculptures/ monuments. Guided walks around Bunhill Fields Burial Ground are conducted by City of London guides on wednesdays throughout June and July from 12.30pm.
Horse chestnut leaves in autumn © Mike Waite
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