An update from Southwark Council.
While the cemetery trees may be looking bare, the paths muddy and the sky grey, excitement is building on Linden Grove as the East Lodge restoration begins to take shape. Let’s take a look back at the progress made last year.
2025 marked a turning point for Nunhead Cemetery as we broke ground on our much-anticipated East Lodge restoration project, made possible by generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the project team comprising Southwark Council and Friends of Nunhead Cemetery (FONC). We were thrilled to secure a £163,375 Repairs Grant from Historic England, bringing us even closer to realising the East Lodge restoration.
Nunhead’s natural environment received a boost as FONC partnered with Froglife to rejuvenate the cemetery pond, enhancing biodiversity and creating a tranquil spot for reflection. In spring we were delighted to meet so many of you at the ever-iconic Nunhead Cemetery Open Day, answer your project questions and hear about your favourite spots in the cemetery. As the days grew warmer and longer, we also installed a welcoming new volunteer cabin, providing an improved space dedicated to those who give their time and passion to the cemetery’s future – see photos of the dramatic before and after below.
This summer we hosted our very first project activities, welcoming new and returning visitors to experience the cemetery in fresh and inspiring ways. FONC delivered a vibrant selection of art exhibitions and engagement events, from charm marking to harp and poetry performances, creating moments of creativity and contemplation among the headstones. FONC also continued its impressive volunteering programme of grave restoration and wildlife management, alongside hosting tours for a wide range of groups including local schools, architects, heritage experts, students and cemetery history enthusiasts.
In autumn, the project team welcomed almost 100 participants on Ardu Wellbeing’s popular Wellbeing Walks and for the first time introduced a cohort of young Wild Woodland Adventurers to the site with the Secret Adventurers’ Club. With pumpkin trails and foraged crafting, they brought new energy and curiosity to the cemetery.
All of this was made possible by the recruitment of Outreach and Development Manager, Catrin Podgorski, who joined us in 2025, as well as countless local partners. If you have ideas for activities, events, art exhibitions or workshops, particularly those that relate to our project themes below, please email for more information:
- Health, wellbeing and mindfulness
- Connecting with nature
- Uncovering heritage and untold stories
- Remembering and reflecting
Looking ahead
Shell and core works on the East Lodge are due to be completed by summer 2026, after which landscaping and interior fit-out will begin. The landscaping will deliver fully accessible, step-free access to both floors, while the fit-out will provide the building’s final finishing touches.
We are also thrilled to announce that we will soon be seeking to select an operator for East Lodge. The lease opportunity will be advertised on KALMARs website.
Thank you for your continued support of this exciting project. Every step forward is made possible by the enthusiasm and commitment of our community, partners, and volunteers. Together, we’re not only restoring East Lodge but creating a space that celebrates heritage, fosters creativity, and connects people further with the beloved site.
We look forward to seeing you at the cemetery soon.
For more Nunhead Cemetery updates, follow Southwark Council (@southwarkcouncil) and Friends of Nunhead Cemetery (@nunheadcemetery) on social media.
Upoming Activities
We’re thrilled to share what’s coming up in 2026 as part of the East Lodge restoration. As always, all activities are free to attend, so mark your calendars and join us for these inspiring events below. FONC will be continuing its regular tours and activities on site, details of which can be found on the cemetery noticeboards and on the FONC website.
>> Wellbeing Walks with Ardu Wellbeing
Step into the new year with clarity, steadiness, and renewed energy. Join Ardu Wellbeing on Saturday 17 January for a grounding and uplifting guided Wellbeing Walk designed to help you reconnect with yourself, build winter resilience, and set nourishing intentions for the months ahead.
As we move gently through the quiet beauty of winter, this session blends mindful walking, breathwork, and reflective coaching practices that strengthen the connection between mind and body. Book via Eventbrite or simply turn up on the day.
>> Wild Woodland Adventurers with Secret Adventurers’ Club
After the success of our autumn session held back in October, we’re delighted to welcome Secret Adventurers’ Club back to the cemetery for a full programme of seasonal activities in 2026.
Join Ema on Sunday 22 March for nature crafts using woodland materials, explorations of rich habitats, and storytelling adventures to blow away the winter cobwebs and welcome spring. Keep an eye on Secret Adventurers’ Club’s website and social media for booking details.
>> Easter at Nunhead Cemetery
Hop into spring with us! We’re planning a series of fun, family-friendly workshops to celebrate Easter and mark the coming of springtime, including eggs-cellent creative crafting. We’ll be sharing more information soon about this and other upcoming seasonal events, including Midsummer, Tết Trung thu, Day of the Dead, and many more.
>> Nunhead Lates 2026
In spring 2026, we’ll be opening the cemetery gates after dark for Nunhead Lates, an unforgettable evening of creativity and discovery in partnership with Goldsmiths University. We’ll be revealing more details soon, and you can expect atmospheric artistic interventions, immersive performances, and themed workshops that will transform the cemetery for one night only. We’ll also be working with a local organisation to commission a special activation, adding an exciting new dimension to the event. For the first time, we will also be recruiting volunteer event stewards who want to get involved with the project so keep your eyes peeled for more information.
Volunteering Opportunities
Want to get involved with the East Lodge restoration and make a difference?
We’ll soon be looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring our events to life! Roles include Volunteer Workshop Assistant Facilitators (helping deliver creative, family-friendly sessions) and Event Stewards (welcoming visitors and ensuring everything runs smoothly).
It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, meet new people, and be part of exciting cultural activities at Nunhead Cemetery. More information and application details will be available on the Southwark Council website.
This project is being delivered in partnership with Southwark Council and Friends of Nunhead Cemetery (FONC), and made possible by generous funding from the Heritage Fund.
Last Updated on 21st January 2026
