Arnos Vale Cemetery has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world. The cemetery joins other green spaces awarded recognition in the South West.

Arnos Vale Cemetery is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and has received a prestigious Green Flag Community Award – the mark of a quality park or green space. This international award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

What is a Green Flag Award?

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for an award.  Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.  A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site Accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.

The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Ellie Collier, CEO said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for first time – it shows how hard the staff and volunteers have worked to make the cemetery a place for everyone; bringing it back from a neglected and derelict site to a community space and place for nature”

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining the Cemetery to such a high standard. This award also coincides with the opening of our fantastic new Community Garden funded by Tesco Bags for Life, which has turned a derelict area into a wonderful new bee and butterfly-friendly garden for visitors to relax in”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners. Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

Arnos Vale – a Garden Cemetery

Arnos Vale Cemetery was the first great Cemetery in the South West set up in 1839 and was designed as a beautiful Garden Cemetery where people could wander and enjoy the green space.  This award shows that the charitable trust that runs the cemetery still shares to these first principles.

You can find out more on how to visit this beautiful site here