Teddington Cemetery extension

Information about the extension of Teddington Cemetery, including upcoming works and opportunities to get involved.

Background

The extension of Teddington Cemetery will provide much-needed additional burial space, creating new burial spaces ensuring long-term sustainability.

The extension will use land at Shacklegate Lane, previously temporarily occupied by allotments. We recognise that the allotments have been an important and much-loved community space. We have worked with plot holders to support moves to alternative sites, including individual discussions and practical assistance.

The completed extension will provide a peaceful and respectful place of remembrance, while improving biodiversity and creating opportunities for community growing, ecology improvements and volunteering.

Timeline

Date	Stage
7 October 2025	Notice was issued to allotment holders to vacate their plots
30 September 2026	Final date for allotment holders to vacate their plots
1 October 2026	Site clearance and preparation works start
November 2026 to spring 2027	Construction of the cemetery extension alongside opportunities to become involved in ecology improvements and volunteering
Spring to summer 2027	Site establishment and settlement following construction
Summer 2027	The new burial area becomes operational

Biodiversity and planting

The cemetery extension has been designed to provide essential burial space for the next 30 years while creating new habitats, supporting nature recovery and providing temporary space for growing food.

Community involvement

Local residents, former plot holders, voluntary and community organisations, schools and community groups will be invited to help shape future activities at the cemetery.

Opportunities being developed include:

• Community growing 
• Community planting days and biodiversity workshops
• Wildlife recording and monitoring
• Volunteering
• Exploring the creation of a community-led friends group

Further details, including dates and ways to participate, will be published on this page, on site, and through our email newsletter as plans are confirmed.

Contact

For questions about the project, email cemeteries@richmond.gov.uk.

To register an interest in community growing, biodiversity activities or volunteering, email parks@richmond.gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions around the Teddington Cemetery extension.

Why is the cemetery being extended?

Additional burial space is needed to safeguard local provision for future generations. The extension will provide new burial spaces and is expected to secure provision for around 30 years.

When must plot holders leave the site?

Plot holders must remove any belongings, equipment and structures they wish to keep by 30 September 2026.

What happens after 30 September 2026?

Sections of fencing on the eastern side of the allotments will be removed, and clearance and preparation will continue ahead of construction.

When will construction begin?

The site will start to be prepared for construction on 1 October 2026, with the main construction phase expected to begin in autumn 2026 and finish in spring 2027.

When will the new burial area open?

Following construction, the site will require an establishment and settlement period. The new burial area is expected to become operational in summer 2027.

Will there be opportunities for food growing?

We will engage with local residents, former plot holders, schools and community organisations to help shape future opportunities for community participation and environmental enhancement at the cemetery.

How will wildlife be supported?

The project will support wildlife across the whole cemetery, introducing new trees, native hedgerows, pollinator-friendly planting, seasonal bulbs, a flowering lawn, bird and bat boxes, wildlife access points and natural habitat features.

Can local people influence the cemetery design?

Community involvement will focus on biodiversity management, community growing, volunteering, wildlife monitoring and activities across the whole cemetery.

Will there be disruption while work takes place?

Clearance and construction activity will take place on the site. Further information about access arrangements and any anticipated disruption will be added to this page and displayed on site as the programme develops.

How will the Council keep residents informed?

Updates will be shared through this webpage, direct communications with individuals and organisations whose contact details have been provided to the Council, ward councillors, community networks and notices displayed at the site.