Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The largely short-mown turf between the graves in East Sheen Cemetery contains common wild flowers, including germander and wood speedwells and ox-eye daisy. Acid loving species such as sheep's sorrel were also present but were not abundant enough to describe the habitat as acid grassland. In the past mistletoe, a scarce plant over much of London, was reported on the site. Richmond Cemetery, contains plenty of mature trees, with horse chestnut, ash, lime and the invasive non-native species false acacia around the edges, and holly and yew scattered throughout. The grassland is much more diverse than that of its neighbour, and includes primrose, oxeye daisy, hairy sedge, hedge bedstraw and meadow saxifrage. The last named species is now very rare in London. The long-abandoned south of Richmond Cemetery consists of a tangle of woodland and scrub, variously dominated by oak, sycamore, ash and buddleia. Male fern, lady fern and enchanter's nightshade grow beneath the trees. A glade in the middle has a rich flora, including bush vetch, smooth tare, greater bird's-foot trefoil and heath groundsel, the latter a scarce plant in London, indicative of acid soils. Pesthouse Common consists of rough grassland, bounded by scrubland, tall limes and horse chestnuts. Its tall grass supports few wild flowers, but complements the more managed grassland habitats of the cemeteries.

Facilities

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