People are invited to share their views about Penrith Cemetery so they can help protect and shape its future.
Westmorland & Furness Council wants to better understand how the cemetery, which opened in 1872, is used.
On Beacon Edge next to an established woodland, the cemetery ha over 20,000 burials on a site covering around 10 hectares.
The authority said: “As this diverse open space is used in many different ways by communities in Penrith and beyond, Westmorland and Furness Council is running a survey to understand how the cemetery is used and accessed to ensure future care and improvements reflect the needs and priorities of those who value it most.”
The installation of a new fence along the top boundary closed off an informal route used by walkers.
The council added: “While the new fence has addressed issues of boundary damage and trespass, it has also highlighted the strong local interest in a potential new link to the Beacon footpath.”
The survey asks for feedback on two possible options for creating a new path have been identified – one crossing land near Lowther Estates and another via land owned by Penrith Golf Club.
It said: “Any improvements made to the cemetery will protect its peace and tranquillity, avoid disturbance to wildlife and manage potential issues such as dog fouling.”
The survey is available until October 8 and can be filled out here.
Paper copies are available at Penrith Library, Penrith Leisure Centre, Penrith Tourist Information Desk, or the receptions of Voreda House, or South Lakeland House.
