South Ealing Cemetery Improvements

Ealing Parks Foundation, in partnership with Ealing Council, are working to improve South Ealing Cemetery and create a more welcoming space for visitors. 

As featured in our November 2024 Park of the Month the Old Cemetery had become overgrown in recent years, and the Grade 2 listed chapels have fallen into disrepair and are officially ‘at risk’. EPF made a proposal as to how the cemetery could retain its charm and dignity while also being restored to be a lovely green space for leisure, wellbeing and wildlife. 

Working with volunteer groups and local residents, we started in the Victorian section (South Ealing Road entrance) and, in the last six months, we have made good progress:

• cut back overgrown shrubs to improve sight lines, sense of safety, and clean selected memorials 

• planted bulbs and sown wildflower seeds

• cleaned bird boxes and installed new ones

• restored electricity to the chapels, carried out basic maintenance and a service of the clock and its pulley system

• researched the history behind the cemetery and some of its occupants 

• engaged with local groups and people who can help

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We have an exciting programme of events for summer 2025 and would love to see people supporting them. 

To leave us your views on the proposals, please complete this survey.

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Autumn (October) update:

 

Autumn is here in full swing and with it, a distinct change to the weather and temperatures. Perfect for a walk around our local green spaces with a coffee in hand.

South Ealing Cemetery has been our focus for the last 3 months, with a busy agenda of work parties and five very successful sessions as part of the Open House Festival.

During the Open House Festival from 13th to 21st September, we welcomed more than 300 visitors inside the South Chapel and North Chapel vestry, for the first time in several years, along with a guided walking tour of the cemetery including historically important graves.

Opening the chapel to the public and seeing the level of excitement and engagement amongst local residents was really encouraging. We received a number of offers of support from hands-on volunteering, research and data compilation and a variety of ideas for future events and engagements at the cemetery. We also received generous donations totalling more than £100, to aid our future work.

Since our last update, a number of upgrades have been carried out including the installation of two new benches, one outside on the front lawn of the cemetery, with an opening ceremony attended by Council Leader Peter Mason and Cllr Hashani, cabinet member for Thriving Communities.

We are also pleased to confirm activities will continue throughout Autumn and into winter, and all are welcome to join a range of activities in our ’hands-on’ sessions, from gardening to cleaning and small repair jobs.
 

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Upcoming events – Autumn/Winter 2025-26

You’re welcome to join us – meet by the chapels, South Ealing Road, W5 4RH
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