East Ham Nature Reserve
Grassland, scrub and lizards among old gravestones around a 12th-century church, in what is often called London's largest churchyard.
By the Ledger desk2 min read
Photo: Matt Brown / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
East Ham Nature Reserve is a free wildlife reserve in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalene, a Norman church in East Ham, and at about nine and a half acres it is often described as London's largest churchyard.
A churchyard that became a reserve
The church of St Mary Magdalene dates from the first half of the 12th century, around 1130, and is the oldest building in the London Borough of Newham. Historic England lists it at Grade I; its nave, chancel and rounded apse are Norman, and the tower was added later. The churchyard around it dates back more than 800 years.
The churchyard, leased by the parish to the London Borough of Newham, has been managed as an educational nature reserve since 1977. It was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983. Amenities include a visitor centre used for learning, nature trails and toilets, including disabled access.
What you see there now
The reserve offers extensive rough grassland and scrub, with smaller areas of woodland, all among the old gravestones. Spotted flycatcher and blackcap breed here, and large flocks of finches gather in late summer. The site also supports a good population of common lizards and a long list of insects, including moths, flies, beetles and lacewings.
How to visit
The reserve is reached from Norman Road, East Ham, E6 4HN, and entry is free. Newham Council lists it as open every day, but hours for the site and the visitor centre vary by season, and the church itself is usually seen by appointment, so check the council's park listing before setting out.
Public transport access is good. The council lists buses 101, 104, 300 and 474, and Beckton DLR station. The reserve was also one of the East Ham sites selected for investment under the council's Shape Newham programme.
For families and walkers, the practical takeaway is simple: bring sturdy shoes for the grassy paths, keep to the trails, and allow time to look at the church from the outside, one of the oldest in London.
General information, checked against the sources below at the time of writing. Rules, rates and deadlines change, often each April; confirm with GOV.UK, the council or the organisation concerned before you rely on them. For advice on your own case, Citizens Advice is free.
