|
|
 |
| |
‘At risk’ cemetery set to be kept alive by new rescue plan
Bid to protect ‘neglected’ famous site
AN unprecedented and comprehensive survey of Highgate Cemetery is being drawn up to stop the historic Victorian burial ground crumbling away.
Conservationists at English Heritage have placed the cemetery, in Swains Lane, on their “At Risk” register – the list of historic buildings and spaces that need urgent attention.
Now new plans over how the cemetery is managed are being put in place by trustees and they will mean a more stringent approach than in the past regarding maintaining monuments and keeping the weedy undergrowth at bay.
Landscape architect Jon Allen, who works as a volunteer at the cemetery, said a number of major works needed to be done, including restoring the boundary wall separating the eastern cemetery with Waterlow Park.
“We are looking ahead and saying that in the future, to be responsible and look after the cemetery, we need to commission a thorough study,” said Mr Allen.
The rethink on the cemetery – classified as a park by English Heritage – is seen by many grassroots members of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery as the first break from the iron rule of former Friends chairwoman Jean Pateman.
She stepped aside last month after being involved with the charity since its inception in 1975. Many said her management style was too harsh and rifts had opened between her supporters and those who said the charity needed a new direction.
Mrs Pateman had put in place a system she called “managed neglect” which put a premium on maintaining the unkempt wildness of the cemetery while also ensuring the important historical monuments were not deteriorating.
Jane Wilson, English Heritage’s landscape architect, said: “They have been doing lots of restoration work but it is very difficult for them to get the resources to look after the cemetery.
“There are things that they need to do and that includes bringing in a new landscape management plan. The work they are considering will mean it can be taken it off the list.
“They need to fix elements of the cemetery – walls, repair monuments. We are not saying they need to restore it to how it was in its 19th-century heyday but we have encouraged them to put together a conservation plan for the site.
“There can be conflicts between nature conservation and historic interests – these need to be balanced, and the place needs a holistic, overall management plan.” |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
