Abney park among Those’magnificent seven’ Backyard cemeteries in London
A burial site for nonconformists, the park includes the burials of the founders of the Salvation Army, Catherine and William Booth, along with the lion tamer Frank Bostock, whose
Grave boasts a large white marble lion.
WHERE TO WATCH
- After nature took over in 1978, the Large old trees, some of which
Are almost 200 years old, supplied exceptional houses for bats and owls, as well as hosting a wide Selection of
wintering, migratory and breeding species. In the cooler phases of theyear look out for miniature Firecrests on the ivy-covered tree trunks between April and October. - Just yards away fromthehigh road, the playground is a sanctuary in the everyday noise and bustle.
Tune in rather to the permanent resident birds over the Peninsula, the Ring-necked Parakeets using their unmistakable calls, and other avian musicians such as Blackcaps and Robins. Rare visitors that you might be fortunate enough to see include Treecreepers, Bullfinch,Nuthatch and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. - While followingthe abyrinthine pathways involving the faded gothic opulence and the crying angels that are being strangled by the ivy tendrils, lookout for the Jays who live within the cemetery-they really are a good deal showier than their habitable counterparts. Mallards and Canada Geese breed despite no nearby water resource. Look to the sky for Buzzards, along with the occasional flyover of Kestrels and Red Kites.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
The area around point 3 is quieter than the rest of the cemetery/park.
TARGET BIRDS
AUTUMN/WINTER
Visiting thrushes and finches
Lesser Redpoll
Brambling
Siskin
SPRING
Sparrowhawk
Tawny Owl
Ring-necked Parakeet
Green Woodpecker
Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit
Goldfinch
SUMMER
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Willow Warbler
Garden Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher
PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: N16 0LH
GRID REF: TQ334 868
MAPS: OS Explorer 174,
OS Landranger 176
PARKING: Very limited parking on
site. Wilmer Place nearest: N16 0LY
TERRAIN: Mostly good paths
around the park
ACCESS:
Open between 8 am and dusk. May
be shut if very inclement weather
FACILITIES: Visitor centre currently
closed due to COVID-19