Kensal Green Cemetery
From Londonbirders
Kensal Green & St Mary's Cemeteries
Location Map
Description
Established in 1833, Kensal green Cemetery is 77 acres of neutral grassland, around 70% of which is managed with mowing, the rest left as designated conservation areas. The South end of the site borders the Grand Union Canal and the North the Harrow Road. Scrub and bramble thickets are numerous especially on the avenue bordering the canal, this is best place to look for migrant warblers. There are many mature trees and woodpeckers are numerous. There is a good Butterfly list including common blue and the Wall Brown (Scarce in London).
The Cemetery was well birded in the 1980's and up to the present has produced a substantial Site list.
Adjoining KGC is the somewhat bleaker St Mary's Cemetery. With far less tree cover than KGC this area can produce Pipits, Linnet flocks and the possibility of the occasional Wheatear.
Thanks to David Lindo who's efforts have supplied many of the sightings for KGC and for all the invaluable Historical birding info supplied. See his site here for birding at KGC and Wormwood Scrubs. The Urban Birder
Dave Renham 2008
Access:
Tube Station: Kensal Green - Bakerloo Line.
Bus: No 18.
Car: Harrow Rd. NW10.
The Top gate (100m West of Kensal Green tube) admits both cars and pedestrians. The Main Gate (Junction of Harrow Rd and Ladbroke Grove) Is pedestrian only.
Opening Times are seasonal but as a guide: Winter - 9am to 4pm. Summer - 8am to 5.30pm
Regulars including common migrants: - Green & Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Stock Dove, Blackap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Cormorant, Coal Tit, Redwing, Linnet, Meadow pipit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Sparrowhawk, and the ubiquitous Ring-Necked Parakeet.
Patch list 2008
Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Moorhen, Black Headed Gull, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Starling, Long Tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Robin, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Coot, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Chaffinch, Cormorant, Meadow Pipit, Magpie, Mallard, Linnet, Jay, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Collared Dove, Firecrest, Wren, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Redwing, Herring Gull, Tawny Owl, Mistle Thrush, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Shag, Reed Warbler, Ring Necked Parrakeet, Common Buzzard, Common Tern, Common Whitethroat, (50)
