Pulsars are considered as possible sources of high energy cosmic ray particles, in particular UHECR. We discuss physical processes in pulsar vicinity relevant to the problem of acceleration of high energy particles. Empirical information on pulsar emission is briefly reviewed. The Crab Nebula is discussed as a template for pulsar wind nebulae. The pulsar wind models are presented with particular emphasis on their acceleration capabilities. The hypothesis that a population of neutron stars with the highest magnetic fields (magnetars) in nearby galaxies are the sources of UHECR above the GZK cutoff is discussed.

PACS numbers: 98.70.Sa