Well-managed green spaces teeming with wildlife make award-winning site ‘much more than a place of remembrance.’
For 30 years, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Awards have celebrated the countries best parks and green spaces, based on them being safe, welcoming and well-managed. It’s perhaps a surprise to see a crematorium included among this year’s winners – but Isle of Wight Crematorium is something special.
Built in 1961, the crematorium us set within 10 acres of landscaped grounds, ancient woodland and wildflower-rich habitats that provide a tranquil setting for families to remember loved ones. The grounds also support a wide range of local wildlife: the brook, wildflower meadow and formal gardens are home to species including red squirrels, hedgehogs, pipistrelle bats, woodpeckers and jays.
The local council’s bereavement services team ensure that the grounds remain peaceful, welcoming and maintained to the highest standard throughout the year.
This year, 2,391 local sites across the UK received Green Flag status, having been independently assessed for such things as accessibility, maintenance, environmental management, safety, biodiversity and community involvement.
Janice Lord, Registration and Bereavement Services Manager at Isle of Wight Crematorium, says: ‘We are incredibly proud to receive this Green Flag Award recognition. The crematorium is much more than a place of remembrance, it is a cherished green space that offers comfort, peace and reflection for Island families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our team works hard to care for the grounds, from maintaining the formal gardens to enhancing habitats for wildlife and protecting our ancient woodland.
‘We see ourselves as custodians of a very special place and are delighted that this commitment has been recognised through a Green Flag Award. As islanders, we are fortunate to have such a beautiful natural environment around us, and we warmly welcome visitors to enjoy the tranquillity and biodiversity of the crematorium grounds throughout the year.’
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, adds: ‘Green spaces are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming. With public services under pressure, investing in parks and green spaces is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
‘[Isle of Wight Council’s] Bereavement Services have shown what can be achieved when green spaces are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.’
Photo: Yannick Menard / Unsplash
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