Local Wildlife Site

Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

Highgate Cemetery

Borough: Camden

Grade: Metropolitan

Access: Public access (entry fee)

Area: 14.86 ha

Description

Highgate Cemetery is one of the magnificent seven cemeteries established in the mid 1800s to ease the growing shortage of burial space in the capital’s churchyards. It is made up of two parts the West Cemetery, opened in 1839 and the East Cemetery, opened as an extension in 1854. After many years of neglect, the cemetery has been thoroughly restored by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery, who now own and manage it. English Heritage describe the cemetery as of ..outstanding historical and architectural interest and it is now a Grade II* listed park. There are several Grade I listed buildings within the cemetery, Karl Marx’s tomb being one of them. The site’s unique mix of historical and ecological interest makes it an immensely valuable educational resource. The East Cemetery can be accessed daily, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, for a small fee. Access to the West Cemetery is by special tour only – for details see the Friends of Highgate Cemetery website link or telephone 020 8340 1834.

Wildlife

Ash and sycamore trees have grown up and become established amongst the ornate tombs and mausolea. The stonework supports a diversity of lichens, ferns and mosses. A rich collection of wildflowers, invertebrates and birds are found in the woodland and glades, including many unusual species for such a central location. Examples include great horsetail, prickly sedge and the nationally scarce plant ivy broomrape, spotted flycatcher and willow warbler. The liverwort Luisier's tufa-moss has recently been found here at its easternmost site in the entire country.

Facilities

Information; historic features; sculptures/ monuments.

View Interactive map

The Catacombs at Highgate Old Cemetery © Mike Waite

Tomb of Karl Marx at Highgate New Cemetery © Mike Waite

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