Northwood Cemetery Bags First Ever Green Flag Award!
Northwood Cemetery in Cowes has smashed it by winning the prestigious Green Flag Award for the first time. This top-tier accolade, handed out by Keep Britain Tidy, marks it as one of the finest green spaces in the UK. This year, a record-breaking 1,883 parks and green areas bagged the award – signalling top-notch environmental standards and superb upkeep.
From Old Graveyard to Top Green Space
Established way back in 1856, Northwood Cemetery sits right next to Cowes Medical Centre on Newport Road. It’s managed by the Isle of Wight Council and has been lovingly restored and maintained by the Friends of Northwood Cemetery, a dedicated local charity. Their hard graft hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Volunteers’ Dedication Pays Off
Peter Almond, Chairman of the Friends group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the first time. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Northwood Cemetery to such a high standard.”
This win comes hot on the heels of the Friends group scooping the Isle of Wight Society Conservation Award in 2018, recognising their efforts to protect local heritage and environment with backing from RIBA Isle of Wight.
Council Praise & Future Plans
Councillor John Hobart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Heritage, added: “The Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and passion from the small Friends group and volunteers, with support from the council’s public spaces team.”
He urged locals to visit: “Come and see what a beautiful space the cemetery now is.”
Record-Breaking Year for Green Flags
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “We are celebrating another record-breaking year, with more Green Flags awarded than ever before. Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain these green spaces. We are proud of our green spaces and look forward to awarding even more flags next year.”
