Churchyards are important to people, for our history, and to wildlife. St Leonard’s Churchyard is an oasis in the middle of Streatham High Road: an area of tranquility and peace surrounding the church, and a haven for wildlife. You can explore part of it in our 3D tour.
We have regular working parties to keep the churchyard in good order, and there are plans to improve the Glebe, the area between the church and the hall where the old rectory once stood.
During 1999 a major restoration project took place: enclosing the churchyard with parkland fencing and matching gates; re-laying the paths; repair and restoration of damaged monuments; installation of up-lighting along paths and under trees; provision of sympathetic seating; pruning of trees, replanting, removal of dead wood; introduction of different mowing regimes for aesthetic reasons and to encourage wildlife.
In the spring of 2006 new floodlights and path lighting were installed.
In recent years there have been outbreaks of vandalism, and other incidents of antisocial behaviour. This means it may occasionally be necessary to close the churchyard to the public, except for access to the church.
