Scotforth Cemetery

Location: Ashford Road, Lancaster, LA1 5AD

Scotforth Cemetery opened in 1891 and is one of seven cemeteries operated by Lancaster City Council.

The total area of the cemetery is approximately 11 acres, containing areas of consecrated and non-consecrated burial ground. The site is located approximately 3km south of Lancaster city centre and is surrounded by agricultural land and residential properties.

Many grave types and garden of remembrance plots are currently available, and it is a working cemetery.

This cemetery also has a section available for Muslim burials and a section for Polish burials. Use of these sections is based solely on personal preference.

Chapel

There is a non-denominational chapel on site, which is available to all religions, sects and beliefs to hold funeral and memorial services.

Built in 1891, our chapel building has been vital to our funeral services and remains frequently used.

Gardens of remembrance

There are currently two gardens of remembrance within the site, intended for the interment of cremated remains. The original garden of remembrance located next to the main entrance is now closed. The new garden of remembrance, located next to the chapel, has plots available to reserve or for immediate interment.

Biodiversity and wildlife

There is a mixture of mature evergreen and broadleaf trees growing throughout the site.

Floral species which are commonly seen growing naturally on site include snowdrops, bluebells, and crocus. As the cemetery is such a large green space, various wildlife species are also frequently spotted.

Control of dogs

We permit access to the cemetery for those who wish to walk their dogs responsibly – dogs must be on a short lead at all times, and owners should immediately clear away any fouling. Signage to this effect is installed throughout the cemetery.

The cemetery is first and foremost a respectful burial ground, and not a designated dog walking area.

Lancaster City Council’s Dog Wardens will visit in response to reports of concern, but also carry out ad-hoc surveillance too. Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, it is an offence not to clean up after a dog has defecated on public land. A person may be issued with an £80 fixed penalty fine, if they do not clean up, or alternatively may be prosecuted through the magistrates court, where the maximum fine is £1000.

As a courtesy, we have installed a dog waste bag dispenser on site which is refilled regularly with dog waste bags by our team. This is intended for dog walkers who do not have a dog waste bag to hand. These bags can then be disposed of in any litter bin, of which there are numerous throughout the site or by taking home and placing in your grey wheelie bin.  

We will continue to work with Lancaster City Council’s Dog Wardens to tackle any further issues.

If you are aware of offenders causing a particular problem in the cemetery, you can contact the dog warden service on: dogwardens@lancaster.gov.uk or 01524 582757, who will investigate and take appropriate action. 

 

Cemetery locations

Last updated: 12 December 2023