These extensive cemeteries, which are bisected by Mortlake Road, are among the largest in the Borough of Richmond. They are both still in active use and managed relatively intensively, with most of the grasslands being mown fairly frequently. They have considerable wildlife interest due to their large size and the diversity of plants and animals that they support.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
North Sheen and Mortlake Cemeteries
Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 24.75 ha
Description
Wildlife
Many trees have been planted here, mainly ornamental species such as horse chestnut, hybrid black poplar, cherries, yew and eucalyptus. The grassland supports colourful common wild flowers such as cat's-ear, nipplewort, black medick and germander speedwell. On the graves, large patches of various stonecrops occur, providing a blaze of yellow or white when they are in flower. Several species found in the grasslands have escaped from where they were originally planted on the graves and include some which are rare in the wild in London such as garden pansy and mossy saxifrage. There is a large area in the north-east of the site without graves and the grassland here has a good abundance of legumes such as common vetch and clovers, including several patches of hare's-foot clover, which is uncommon in London. Just to the north of this area is an area of hard-standing with a colourful wasteland community around the edges. The site is valuable for grassland insects, although this value could be enhanced if the grass was allowed to grow longer in places. The mixture of grassland with trees and shrubs provides ideal habitat for several bird species such as green woodpecker, magpie, mistle thrush, starling, and jackdaw.Facilities
Car parking; toilets
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