Why I Volunteer

I’ve always regarded Highgate Cemetery as one of London’s greatest treasures. Before becoming a volunteer, I’d visited both the East and West Cemeteries several times. I kept coming back to the cemetery because for

me, it’s a fascinating and enchanting place. Last year, I had some time on my hands after being made redundant. A notice caught my eye for volunteers at the cemetery, so I got in touch.

I volunteered to join one of the weekend working parties that help with the clearing of shrubs and plants in the West Cemetery. I had a really enjoyable Saturday, pulling out Holly and cutting back Ivy with an enthusiastic and friendly bunch of fellow volunteers. Run by Jenny, the working parties are a great workout! Also it’s a great way to find about the graveyard’s ecology. An amazing range of plants and animals make their home amongst the gravestones.

Sometimes, I have spare time during the week to help out at the East Gate with admissions. Working on Strathcona (as the volunteers call it) gives you a wonderful insight into the variety of people who visit the cemetery. People come from all corners of the globe, and for many different reasons. It’s a good way to learn more about the cemetery as the visitors always have lots of questions for you to answer.

Recently, I’ve started guiding in the West Cemetery. I hope that I can pass on some of my enthusiasm for Highgate Cemetery to the people on my tours, so they can appreciate why the work of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery is so important. Volunteering is essential to the efforts of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery to ensure the cemetery is not just cared for, but thrives through public access, and education. I’ve found the unceasing commitment given by some volunteers over many years is very inspiring.

Whilst some of my friends think Highgate Cemetery a peculiar place to spend a Saturday, I could not disagree more. I really enjoy the time I spend here.

My father was a monumental mason so I've always had an appreciation for cemeteries. Graveyards represent a wonderful window into the past, and none in London is more surprising than Highgate Cemetery.

If you’d like to volunteer, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it