Spring 2010
Green Flag. The cemetery is being entered again this year for the Green Flag award. We had our on-site meeting with the Council and Quadron (who maintain the cemetery) to discuss management. The set aside areas were such a success last year that they are being extended this year.
The fencing behind the nearby hedge has been removed because the Council considers the beech hedge is now mature enough.
A Bird's Eye View of the Cemetery. This took place on 25th APRIL - a special event organised by Alan, one of our members. For 3 hours (punctuated by a bit of rain) we had a photography team, with their 30 metre mast giving us a photo view of the cemetery. The camera being at tree top level captured some unique views. With the trees just beginning to show green, it was an ideal time of year for such an enterprise.
Plantings. Earlier this year we pruned some of the earlier plantings, particularly those inside the fencing. The mid-April and late May weather both made it necessary to water our new plantings. A good crowd turned up with buckets. At the April watering - all we could hear as we worked was birdsong (no planes!)
Winter 2009/2010
The December hedge planting went very well. Many people came so that we were able to get all the plants in very efficiently. We also mangaged to clear weeds from earlier plantings.
November 2009
The group replied to Sustrans' proposal for a cycle route through the cemetery.
September 2009 - a people survey
The Green Flag award July 2009
We were delighted that Margravine Cemetery has been awarded a Green Flag award.
http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/winners/GSP003511/
Council review of cemeteries - due for completion by november 2009.
The Council requested a review of its cemeteries, in particular 'To examine the role of cemeteries in their traditional context and explore their potential as a usable space'. This refers to their value as open spaces for all to enjoy, but also as a potential resource for new burials. The Friends of Margravine Cemetery made a submission.
The interpretation sign.
Look out for the Friends' interpretation sign near the round bed, showing points to look out for in nature, additionally the information leaflet box which is situated near the Barons Court entrance. Both attract an interested public.
Tree walk and Family Trail June 2009
Both events were organised by The Friends of Margravine Cemetery as part of the BBC Springwatch weekend.
The tree walk was very well attended despite the very unsettled weather. Gavin Simmons gave a knowledgeable talk, celebrating trees from all over the world, with some ideas of how they may first have reached Britain.
The family trail was also successful. Families followed an hour's long laid out trail of trees, flowers, gravestones and history. Their answers were impressive.
Snowfall on February 2nd 2009
The particularly heavy snowfall seems a long time ago now! It drew crowds to the cemetery. Not only children made snowmen.
February plantings by the Friends
Small parts of hedging were gapped up with new plants by the Friends on two Saturdays. We plantied holly, gorse viburnham, rose, blackthorn, hawthorn.
Haiku November 2008
Members of the London group from the British Haiku society visited the cemetery in November 2008 and were able to respond to the beautiful autumnal colours. Haiku is a ancient poetry form originating in Japan.
Fungi Walk Octover 2008Archives visit
This was our second year for a fungi walk. Following the sunny weather there appeared to be little to look at, yet with many pairs of eyes and mycologist Andy Overall to lead us, we were able to find a surprising number of fungi, including some deadly ones!
It was interesting to see many different species found for the first time with quite a number missing from last year's list. For those interested but who missed the walk - do email for a list.
Our latest visit to the archives (September 2008) was so well attended we ran out of chairs! We would like to hear from anyone who has old pictures of any of the buildings in the cemetery - especially the Anglican chapel which was pulled down last century.
Tree walk
The tree walk 2008 as ever was very well attended with over 40 people. The talk by Gavin Simmons (tree officer for LBHF) addressed a number of subjects including the pollarded planes, the differing appearance of a group of cherry trees, measuring the height of the Lombardy poplar (27.5m), care of the newly planted trees. The talk finished by a young oak with a life expectancy of around 400 years; it's greatest threat being from humans! A new walk is planned for June 2009.
Breathing Places Grant
Last year we spent the full £7360 ’Breathing Places’ Lottery grant awarded to us last year. In addition to the tree and hedging this included a general information leaflet about the cemetery, also an A1 size sign to be erected in the cemetery to tell people about the wildlife that they can see around them.
Management plan for Margravine Cemetery
Using our grant as a basis for further applications for funding, Natural England in partnership with the Council gave further grants to Margravine Cemetery. Several surveys were done to find out about the biodiversity. A management plan was prepared using this as a basis.
Quadron
The Council invited firms to tender in 2007, for the maintenance of Margravine Cemetery along with the that of all local parks and open spaces. Quadron was appointed.
A new development management plan has been prepared and the Friends have a continuing consultation with Council officers on this. We have shared our belief that the terms and enforcement of the new contact should give full weight to the preservation and enhancement of the environmental and historical condition of the cemetery.
Visit to Brompton
Following the interesting tour at Kensal Green cemetery of monuments and the catacombs in June 2008 , we plan as a group, to visit Brompton cemetery this year.
Auction of South Lodge
The Council auctioned South Lodge on 27th October 2008 for £344,000. The Friends had originally met with Paul Bristow (Councillor for the ward) together with a Committee member from Hammersmith and Fulham Historic Buildings Group to put forward the views that South Lodge should retain its Victorian 'shell'. Our views were included in the planning guidance associated with the sale.
Through our website we were sent an old photo of South Lodge as it was just over 100 years ago. It looked like a country cottage!
Partnership with Urban Studies
November 2007 in partnership with LBHF Urban Studies Centre we worked with children from the local Melcombe school. A ten year old class made two visits to learn more about the cemetery, to conduct a brief survey, and to assist with the tree planting. The passers by that the children interviewed mostly felt the cemetery to be a safe and beautiful place.
William Morris Sixth Form
The nearby WMSF have been generous in their hosting of meetings. Last December we prepared a small display for the students . It included a gruesome account of the cemetery 'crisis' that occurred in Queen Victoria's reign!
Tree plantingBack in December 2007 we completed 4 days of tree and hedge planting associated with . The trees and hedging planted back in December 2007, using our 'Breathing Places' lottery grant, were well watered last summer (mostly by rain!) and the majority got off to a good start. They are growing well despite the very dry month of March 2009.