Mapping the circle of life at Abney Park Cemetery

On a crisp early autumn afternoon, volunteers and staff from Hackney Council and Friends of Abney Park Cemetery joined us to test the Natural Neighbours App in the field. Together, we explored one of London’s most remarkable green spaces — a place rich in both history and biodiversity — while trialling the app’s new Projects function.

Our mission, set by Hackney’s biodiversity team, was to identify and map dead wood across the cemetery. Far from lifeless, these habitats are essential for countless species, including many of the rare ones that make Abney Park so ecologically valuable. Yet, this unique site faces challenges due to its isolation. Strengthening connections between Abney Park and nearby gardens, parks, and green corridors will help wildlife move freely between spaces — a key step toward restoring urban nature networks and bringing the health benefits of experiencing nature into people’s everyday lives at home and work.

That’s where Natural Neighbours comes in. By helping communities map, monitor, and enhance habitats, the app empowers local action at scale — supporting councils, landowners, and residents to work together toward shared nature recovery goals. 

The enthusiasm from everyone on the day was inspiring (and the sunshine didn’t hurt either!). A huge thank you to all the volunteers and partners who took part. We’ve learned a great deal and are busy using that feedback to refine the app as we prepare for wider roll-out.Together, we’re building a connected landscape for wildlife — and a movement that’s truly a force of nature.