Spion Kop cemetery Hartlepool

[anne-a]

Hi, one of my favorite spots is the old cemetery on the Headland , Hartlepool, it now has a pair of kestrels resident, and is a quiet haven in an otherwise urban area. Unfortunately the develpors now plan to build houses either side of the cemetery and probably in a few years develop the cemetery land itself. Its a shame as there does not seem to be the need for more houses in that area.

[Marmot]

Hi Anne,

Welcome to Birdforum.

This cemetery does have quite a reputation for wildlife etc, I have just read an article about this area and it has now been designated a Local Nature Reserve so it should get some protection.
Spion Kop cemetery on Hartlepool Headland is an important coastal grassland site with a stunning array of wildflowers including thrift, pyramidal orchid and bloody cranesbill. It is also a haven for ground nesting birds like skylark.

A recently formed friends group is working to improve and managed the cemetery with Hartlepool Borough Council who own the site and with the Trust and organisations like Tees Archaeology and Hartlepool Natural History Society.

Funding has been obtained from Pride in Hartlepool and Barclays Sitesavers for improvements to the site including drainage works and habitat restoration.

The site has now been designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/teesvalley/teesvalley/mainpages/m-bio.htm

[IanF]

Hi Anne,

On behalf of Admin and the Moderators a warm welcome to Bird Forum :t:

If the area is developed it will be a sad loss to birders. It's always been a first rate site for migrant falls.