With the weather warnings about Storm Amy this weeked, we'd just like to take this opportunity to share our High Winds Policy which states: York Cemetery has several areas of woodland and tree-lined drives and pathways which in high winds carry the risk of falling timber and causing damage to their surroundings, visitors and vehicles. With that in mind, our high winds policy has been created to ensure that our visitors, staff and volunteers all remain safe during times of increased risk. On advice, we have had to decide that the whole site will be closed to general visitors when wind gusts of over 45mph have been forecast. The gates will be locked. We know that it can be frustrating when we have to close the site at short notice, especially if you have been planning a visit for a while, but we will always provide as much notice as we possibly can before closing, by posting on our website and across our social media channels, so we recommend checking beforehand. (fb)

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that once again The Friends of York Cemetery have won a platinum RHS - Royal Horticultural Society award. The judge said: ‘It was wonderful to meet such dedicated people who work so hard to make the site the wonderful place that it is. It was lovely too to hear what great priority is given to nature and wildlife of all kinds, even to the extent of providing drinking points in woodland areas during drought. It was wonderful to see surprising features, such as the herb garden and community orchard, where people are able to come and help themselves. The design of the herb garden is stunning, with donated grave edging stones to outline the well planned beds and signs from donated stone by the stone mason. It’s a wonderful place to sit and peacefully enjoy the scents and so many butterflies.’ Thank you to everyone who helps make this place what it is. Volunteers, staff and visitors. Here’s a few photos some of our little details you may not have seen, from the past year or so. (fb)