This old churchyard has a formal section next to the road, with substantial areas of amenity grassland, planted shrubbery and scattered, mostly non-native trees. The site provides important access to nature in an area lacking accessible wildlife sites.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
St Mary The Virgin Churchyard, Leyton
Borough: Waltham Forest
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 0.95 ha
Description
Wildlife
Some tombstones are vegetated with ivy, yellow corydalis, and a light dusting of mosses and lichens. On the roadside wall are a little ivy-leaved toadflax and a significant population of wall rue, which is scarce in London. The northern half of the churchyard is set aside for nature and is far wilder. The scattered trees and shrubs have been supplemented by further planting of native species, and the area is developing into woodland. Ash and sycamore are the most frequent species. The shrub layer includes box, holly, elder and hawthorn. In more shaded places there is a ground flora of ivy. In glades this is largely replaced with grassland of fescues and bents, and tall flowers such as cow parsley and nettle. The site supports a good range of common butterflies and birds.Facilities
Historic features; information; sculptures/ monuments
Hart’s-tongue and male ferns © London Wildlife Trust
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