New website celebrates Hampstead Heath

Probably aren't many of us who haven't hopped on the overground to Gospel Oak to enjoy Hampstead Heath but, according to an article in today's Ham and High, the heath was nearly lost to developers in the 19th century (a fate that did overcome the open space of Harringay at the beginning of the 20th). The owner of the land was about to sell it in 1871 but some philanthropists stopped  the development by buying the land and giving it to London.

An Archway local and multi-media expert called Nick Hillel has launched a site today called Heathlife to collect memories, art, film and audio of the heath. It also features downloadable audio guides to the heath's geology and history and “sound sculptures” of birdsong and lapping waters of ponds.

An exhibition called Heathlife is at Burgh House, New End Square, Hampstead, until April 1

Heathlife