The Oaks Crematorium in Havant receives historic Green Flag award for 'dedication' to grounds
"A huge amount of care goes into the grounds throughout the year.”
A crematorium has been awarded its first Green Flag in recognition of the way its 14 acres of grounds are managed.
The Oaks Crematorium, part of Southern Co-op, has been recognised for its wildflower meadows, semi-natural ancient woodland and landscaped areas. The Green Flag Award celebrates well-managed parks and green spaces - it’s managed by Keep Britain Tidy and recognises parks and green spaces that meet its standards for management and maintenance.
The Oaks team works with Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, a woodland volunteer and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to care for the site and improve biodiversity. The grounds are designed to provide a peaceful setting for families visiting loved ones while also supporting local wildlife.
The Oaks is among 2,391 sites across the UK to receive a Green Flag Award in 2026, as the scheme celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Will Salvetti, land manager at Southern Co-op, said: "Receiving our first Green Flag Award is a fantastic achievement and something everyone involved with The Oaks can be really proud of.
"A huge amount of care goes into the grounds throughout the year, both to create a peaceful and welcoming environment for families and to protect the wildlife and natural spaces that make The Oaks so special."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, added: “Green spaces can play an incredibly important role in supporting our wellbeing and providing peaceful and welcoming surroundings for our local communities.
“The team at The Oaks Crematorium have shown the care and dedication needed to maintain its grounds to the highest standard. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, it’s wonderful to recognise green spaces like The Oaks that are so thoughtfully cared for.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Emma Connors, head of end of life services at Southern Co-op, said: “We want every family we support to experience the same high standard of care, and that includes the environment we create for them.
“Achieving a Green Flag Award at The Oaks reflects the commitment our teams show across all of our end of life services, and I'm very proud of everyone who has contributed to it.”