About this Churchyard
In autumn 2018 the Good Shepherd PCC decided to make changes to how the churchyard was managed to enhance its biodiversity.
With the involvement members of the community and local schoolchildren they quickly and cheaply installed home-made compost bins and insect and bird boxes.
With advice from the Forest of Bowland AONB Wildflower Meadow Officer they deferred cutting grass in the old part of the churchyard until the end of the summer. As a result, a considerable number of plant species have flourished, including two types of orchid.
Within the first six months birds occupied boxes placed on the church, the adjacent village hall and nearby trees. Owl boxes were placed in a neighbouring wood and children made bird boxes for the local school. As yet swifts have not taken up the offer of nesting in boxes specially made for them despite the lure from recordings of swift calls.
A wood pile serves as a hedgehog hotel and ladybirds hibernate in the church tower.
Information about Caring for God’s Acre is displayed in church encouraging everyone to record sightings of flowers, insects, animals and birds.
The inscriptions of the monuments have been recorded and can be found here .
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Churchyard cross
- Wildlife haven
- Great for fungi
- Memorials with famous or infamous connections
- Birders paradise
- Stones with stories
- Lichen haven
- Sundial
- Lovely lychgate
- Good accessibility
Church of the Good Shepherd
Tatham
Lowgill Lane
Lancaster
LA2 8PS
Visitor Information
Both church and burial ground are open all day, every day.
Contact details
Please visit the church website.
Accessibility
There is level access to the burial ground with gravel paths.
Information
There are written boards in the burial ground and information at the back of the church.
Toilets
There is an accessible toilet in the church.
Seating
There are two benches with backs and arm rests.
Parking & Transport
Please visit the church website for access and parking information before you visit.
The nearest bus stop and railway station are at High Bentham (3 miles distant) or at Wennington (4 miles distant)
Bus timetable
Café
The Black Pig Café is a 10 minutes’ drive away in High Bentham. Wray Tea Rooms are also 10 minutes away.
