Knutsford Cemetery has once again been recognised as one of the country’s best-managed green spaces after retaining its prestigious Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Knutsford Cemetery is one of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the cemetery groundskeeper and the Town Council team who care for this peaceful green space, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standard for residents and visitors.
Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan, said: “Retaining the Green Flag Award is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of the dedication shown by our groundskeeper, Fergal, and everyone involved in caring for the cemetery. Fergal works tirelessly to keep the grounds looking their very best, while also taking the time to help residents and families locate the graves of loved ones with kindness and compassion. We are incredibly proud to have retained this prestigious award and hope it inspires even more of our green spaces to achieve the same recognition in the future.”
Since the Town Council took over management of the cemetery in 2020, it has invested in improving the quality of the grounds and ensuring the safety of the memorials, creating a welcoming and tranquil environment where people can remember loved ones and spend a quiet moment of reflection.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks 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 is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Knutsford Town Council 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.
Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Knutsford Cemetery on Tabley Hill is open to the public throughout the year. Residents and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, pay their respects to loved ones, or spend a few quiet moments in the chapel while the groundskeeper is on site.