Volunteers improve Fulford Cemetery as its future management is considered
Dedicated volunteers are helping to keep Fulford Cemetery in good order, since City of York Council took over its management last year.
Options for the future of the cemetery are being discussed this summer at public meetings. The proposals, which include the Council permanently managing the cemetery, were supported by the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee at a meeting this week.
Volunteers came together to help maintain the site before the Council took over the temporary management of Fulford Cemetery from Fulford Parish Council in July 2025. This commitment will continue should the Council’s temporary management of the cemetery be made permanent.
Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, at City of York Council, said: “So many volunteers have kindly rolled up their sleeves and given time to support the cemetery, which is really appreciated.
“Their work has really improved this much-visited site, and helped make it a welcoming and comforting space for those with loved ones buried there. I’m grateful to our valued volunteers and invite anyone with spare time to join in and help continue this work.”
Volunteers join regular sessions at Fulford Cemetery every second Monday of the month, from 10am-1pm. These have included a group of staff from Stay City in York, as well as local residents and people with connections to the cemetery. Volunteers – including groups from Good Gym – joined two Big Community Challenge sessions at the burial ground last year.
Volunteers’ work has included weeding, edging, clearing leaves, maintaining benches and general maintenance. Ongoing maintenance and planting sessions are being planned, which existing and new volunteers are encouraged to join. Although significant progress has been made in the past year, the site is substantial in size and requires a lot of work to maintain, especially at this time of year.
To find out more or to join in a volunteering session at Fulford Cemetery, please email: environmentandcommunity@york.gov.uk.
The future management of Fulford Cemetery was discussed on 22 June – the report can be read here – and will be decided by the council’s Executive on 7 July.