Carlisle Cemetery
Location
The Cemetery is situated on high ground overlooking Carlisle and
the Solway Plain. The Fairy Beck runs from above Morton, under the
Dalston Road and through the Cemetery on its journey to the River
Caldew.
The main entrance to Carlisle Cemetery is off
Richardson Street, just south of the City. There are two entrances
off Dalston Road.
Cemetery grounds
Carlisle Cemetery and Crematorium covers approximately 38
hectares and can be split into four distinct areas.
The Cemetery has been awarded Green flag status five years in a
row.
The old ground
This area was the first part of the cemetery to be opened in
1855 and was constructed on the site formally known as Spital Moor.
It contains a wide selection of trees and wildlife together with
conservation areas where very little grounds maintenance is carried
out encouraging wild orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)and dog
tooth violets (Erythronium denis canis) to thrive together
with butterflies, dragonflies and wide variety of small
mammals.
There are topiary clipped yew trees (Taxus baccata)
along the main drive. Very few burials take part in the Old Ground
now with the exception of the infant burial site.
The New
Ground
Separated from the Old Ground by the Fairy Beck which runs
straight through the centre of the cemetery, the New Ground
accommodates more recent burials.
The banks of the Fairy Beck were highly maintained until 1996
when it was decided to return the area to nature. The banks were
planted with Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and Hazel (Corylus
avellana) which has given shelter to various animals species
such as water voles, ducks and kingfishers. Among the wide variety
of flora and fauna which can be found in the New Ground are
rhododendrons and some unusual species of trees; Antarctic Beech
(Nothofagus Antarctica) and the Giant Redwood
(Sequoiadendron giganteum).
The Woodland Burial
The Woodland Burial is the first site of its kind to be opened
in the UK. Designed to provide a natural woodland style setting, it
provides an alternative burial site which has a low impact on the
environment. Each grave is marked by an oak tree (Quercus
robur) raised and supplied by local growers. The grass areas
are maintained in a similar way to the conservation areas to
promote floral and faunal diversity.
There are also vast swathes of bulb planting throughout the
woodland, including daffodils (Narcissus), Lent lilies
(Narcissi lobularis), crocus, bluebells (Hyacinthoides
non scripta) and snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
together with foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) and cowslips
(Primula veris).
There is a sandstone sheepfold, constructed to discreetly house
memorial plaques for those buried in the woodland.
The Crematorium Gardens
The main garden
is immediately behind the crematorium building and chapel and is
locally known as the 'Peace Garden'. The flower beds are
planted twice a year, with perennial flowering borders and the
lawns are mown weekly.
Forming part of the Crematorium Gardens are several mature
wooded areas, each with its own name. These are used for the
scattering of ashes. The lawns have been planted with daffodils and
bluebells.
The outer areas are made up of the 'Months of the Year Gardens'
which are used for the burial of cremated remains. These are
bordered by mature trees and dividing hedges, providing separate
areas of peace and tranquility for quiet reflection
and remembrance.
Opening Times
Winter and Spring 8am until 5pm.
Summer and Autumn 8am until 8pm.
For more information about the Cemeteries, Crematorium and
Bereavement Services please follow the link below.