Crematorium offers 'tranquil and safe green space'

Astrud Matanle hopes the crematorium gardens will offer people "safe green spaces to take time out of their busy lives to relax and restore"

A council is encouraging more people to visit the grounds of a crematorium as a green space as well as a place of remembrance.

Nene Valley Crematorium will host the Wellingborough Green Space Day on Saturday to highlight the benefits of spending time outdoors.

"It's vital for people's health and wellbeing to access open space and really appreciate nature, especially in those difficult times when they're saying goodbye to a loved one," said Martin Griffiths, Reform UK leader of North Northamptonshire Council.

The free event promises "a vibrant and uplifting experience" including guided walks of the gardens and family-friendly activities.

Dean Bash described the gardens - both the formal and wild spaces - as "a tranquil, safe space"

Astrud Matanle, general manager of the crematorium, said the grounds team had been "working their socks off" to make the site welcoming.

"It's trying to give people a pleasant place to relax and rest, in their journey through grief," she said.

She hoped the fresh layout would be "a catalyst for change" to encourage the community to become "more active."

Dean Bash, who works at the gardens, said: "Most people who come here say 'I didn't think it would be like this.'

"The most important thing we want to do is to change people's perceptions of what crematorium grounds are. That's one of the reasons we're having the open day.

"We are quietly working in the background to make things beautiful, ecologically friendly; a great green space."

Martin Griffiths said the region was "so lucky" to have many beautiful green spaces

Griffiths said: "When I was involved in the borough council of Wellingborough, we had a dream of delivering just this.

"A stunning modern crematorium: one that has beautiful gardens and places where people can come and visit.

"We've got rabbits, butterflies, insects: the wildlife here is amazing. We're very close to the River Nene, which brings in other wildlife.

"I encourage everyone to come along, learn more, and take part in the day."