Bird walk at Camberwell Old Cemetery

[panda boy]

Just wanted to post something about this to the local populous, well the ones who read the forum anyway...!

It was very well attended, (40+ people at a guess), many more than expected turned up.

We were treated to an 'after hours' tour of the cemetery, led by Daniel Greenwood from the London Wildlife Trust.

I must say it was very informative and enjoyable, learning about the flora, fauna and local history of the site which was detailed and fascinating.

The cemetery has pockets of wilderness which the the wildlife clearly make great use of.

In one hour, and considering we were a large group, we saw 2 species (among many others) that are listed as red on the RSPB danger list, which I would consider to be amazing considering the small footprint of the cemetery.

It was even more prescient considering the council's proposed plans to redevelop parts of the cemetery, something I'm personally against given the loss of habitat that would result.

For anyone that's interested, the latest council plan is to build a temporary toilet block in the middle of the cemetery... These plans have been rather subtle to say the least - 2 notices put up for the 'required period of time', but interestingly not mentioned directly by the council during a meeting about the general proposed redevelopment. I'm personally a bit bemused as to why such a relatively small cemetery requires a toilet block at all?

So as well as bigging up the bird walk, i'd also like to bring the council's plans (toilet block and 'redevelopment') to the attention of the forum to see what locals think.

All views welcome...

[Laur]

I am against Camberwell Old Cemetery's redevelopment and all for keeping it's natural habitat.

To me, Camberwell Old Cemetery seems to be turning into a Park, not a place of rest.

Whilst there I have observed dogs off their leads running all over the graves knocking and scattering grave ornaments over, parents and children playing football alongside graves and groups of cemetery "tourists" staring as you try to capture a quiet moment beside a loved ones grave.

As for a toilet block I don't think that's necessary either.

Maybe not many Dulwich residents have family members buried there but nonetheless please show some respect and keep your dogs on their leads and don't play balls games there... besides there are several parks in the area that you can do that.

[panda boy]

I agree Laur,

Apart from the council plans to develop the wooded area of the cemetery, (for which they are giving 2 reasons for; increasing burial plots, or just to allow 'more pubic access',) the toilet block is a very strange move. I'm not aware of cemeteries having or needing toilets, let alone a cemetery as small as this. It doesn't really make any sense. Has it been requested by the public? As I said in my first post, there were 2 notices put up for a short time, nothing more.

Details can be found here;

http://moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?id=32956&LLL=0

While describing it as a 'temporary structure' it also alludes to it being replaced by a permanent structure in due course...

I'm personally concerned about the councils development plans for this cemetery, and the potential loss of the wooded area that is a haven for wildlife. Does anyone know any more about this?

[andcharall]

If the cemetery is going to take more burials a toilet block is an excellent idea. You don't want to be caught short attending a funeral. They already have toilets at Camberwell New Cemetery. And even if it's not to cater for more burials, a toilet block is hardly going to decimate the local flora and fauna. Better than forcing people to perform behind graves.

[panda boy]

Thanks for your input andcharall, but it appears you're missing the point slightly.

The whole point is the council plan to expand the cemetery, potentially causing the destruction the wild habitat that currently exists there. I don't believe this is wise.

As for the toilets, there is a pub very close to the cemetery so no real danger of anyone being 'caught short' while attending a funeral. As for 'better than forcing people to perform behind graves', not sure where that came from, or quite what it means. Nobodies forcing anyone to do any such thing. You're right to state that Camberwell New Cemetery has toilets, but to the best of my knowledge they've not been open for a while. (They're not currently listed as a facility on the Southwark website.) Plus it is a much larger space. I don't believe it's normal for a London cemetery to offer toilet facilities. I can find very few examples of those that do.

Either way, as I stated, the councils has plans for this cemetery. This toilet block is somewhat of a surprise and i'm struggling to understand the motivation behind it. Does a cemetery of such a compact size require it's own toilet block? I personally don't think so. I think it's a terrible idea.

And no, of course a toilet block is not going to 'decimate the local flora and fauna'. The expansion plans certainly will. Why are you talking in such extremes?