Crook O'Lune

• Lancaster, LA2 6NU
• Car park facility available
• There are currently no new memorials available at this location. You can still add to an existing memorial.

The Crook O'Lune was opened on November 2004, and is situated very close to the city centre of Lancaster. This planting area is sited in one of the regions most splendid and beautiful areas and is steeped in history. The site overlooks the River Lune and clear magnificent views can be seen from every position along the Lune valley, especially from the custom built viewing platform, which is situated immediately adjacent to the car park and toilet areas.

The River Lune is home to spotted-brown and rainbow trout, as well as freshwater salmon which have been seen leaping into the air on many occasions. Immediately adjacent to the Life for a Life planting area is a wildflower conservation area and many migrant birds can be seen throughout the winter months some of which are quite rare species.

From the site, ramblers can continue up onto the Kirby and Longdendale trail. This section of the River Lune is part of the Millennium Park preservation scheme and is seen to be part of the expansive Trough of Bowland Park which is also renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.

Life for a Life planting areas are natural environments where we encourage wildlife and plantlife to flourish, as such additional items should not be added to the tree or the space around it, especially as they can cause damage to the tree. Please be aware that any prohibited items left on or around memorial trees will be removed. 

Although this site is now full to the planting of new memorial trees, if you have an existing memorial tree dedicated you can still upgrade memorial plaques, add additional ashes to a memorial tree, order memorial keepsakes etc.

What happens in the future?

Now that this memorial forest is closed to new tree planting you will see slight changes in the way we manage the site. The aim is to create a forest that will mature over time and become a local amenity for both visitors and wildlife. Therefore, the management regime will move to one which is more sympathetic to the environment. In practical terms, this will mean a gradual reduction in grass cutting as the tree canopy closes to help promote a richer diversity of wildflowers and other ground flora.

All the memorial trees are guaranteed for 25 years and any tree which has unfortunately not established itself successfully will be replaced from a selected mixture of 'understory' species consisting of either Hazel, Hawthorn or Holly that will help diversify the woodland creating an even better home for nature.

Furthermore, as the memorial trees grow they will be 'crown-lifted' which involves removing the lower limbs of the trees to help maintain access as the trees continue to mature and allow air and light to pass through. Eventually, the plaque in front of the trees will be removed as the site transitions from a formalised memorial woodland into the memorial forest we all want it to become. At this point a new sign will be erected that will let people know how the forest was established and what the trees represent.