Rotherham Crematorium and Cemetery in East Herringthorpe has become the first burial site in the borough to be awarded the Green Flag Award on 15 July 2025.
The Crematorium joins four other local green spaces with the impressive accolade.
The site has been transformed through sustainable landscaping and biodiversity initiatives tailored to the cemetery’s unique environment.
Local schools and community groups also supported in enhancing several areas across the cemetery to make it a more inclusive, respectful, and uplifting place for all visitors.
The Green Flag Award is an international benchmark for parks and green spaces, celebrating well-managed and accessible outdoor areas. Other parks that have been awarded the Green Flag Award include Rother Valley Country Park, Ulley Country Park, and Greasbrough Park.
Clifton Park has been awarded Green Heritage Site status and has been the winner of the Green Flag People's Choice Award 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Managing Director Crematoria, James Wintle, said: “I’m delighted to share that our Rotherham Crematorium, led by Kim Phillips, has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award. This nationally recognised honour celebrates well maintained, environmentally responsible, and welcoming green spaces. It’s a high standard to achieve, and Kim and the team have done so with real professionalism and pride. This award places Rotherham among the very best in the UK.”
Glendale Services’ Contract Manager, Matt Ford, said: “The awarding of a Green Flag to Rotherham Crematorium is testament to both the hard work and dedication of our teams working on this contract and the support we have received from the client.
“Glendale Countryside are proud to be associated with such an award and we will strive to maintain these high standards we have achieved into the future. Our focus points are delivering an outstanding visitor experience, preserving the natural beauty of the crematorium grounds, and implementing sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the environment.
“We look forward to developing upon this success and ensuring Rotherham Crematorium remains a tranquil, valued and welcoming green space for its visitors for many years to come.”
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Bereavement Services, Cllr Linda Beresford, said: "We are thrilled that East Herringthorpe Cemetery and Crematorium is the first cemetery in Rotherham to receive the Green Flag Award. This reflects the ongoing efforts of our staff and partners to enhance the natural beauty of the grounds, as well as providing a peaceful space for residents to remember and reflect on happy memories with their loved ones.
“We are proud of the Rotherham’s parks and green spaces, and are committed to making our communities thriving, safer and cleaner places to be. By creating vibrant, accessible green spaces, we aim to enhance the wellbeing of our residents and bring communities together.”
Rotherham Crematorium was opened in 1962, but the East Herringthorpe cemetery that surrounds the crematorium has been conducting burials since 1953. The site now includes a chapel, multi-faith burial areas, private gardens, and the Water Gardens.
Further information about the Green Flag Award scheme can be found online at www.greenflagaward.org/
