A new look garden of solace has been officially opened at Worcester Crematorium.

The garden is next to the Crematorium’s chapel and is visible through the large picture window.

It is designed to provide a tranquil and calming environment, helping mourners to say goodbye to their loved one.

Worcester City Council has invested £14,000 in revamping and improving the garden over nine months, to create an appealing and restful environment that will look attractive all-year round.

The garden of solace was opened by the vice chairman of the city council’s environment committee, Councillor Alan Feeney, watched by an audience of councillors, council staff and members of the Cemetery and Crematorium Forum.

Cllr Feeney said: “The new garden of solace looks beautiful and I think will help bring a little consolation to the bereaved at a very emotional and upsetting time in their lives.

“Staff at the crematorium have worked hard to create a tastefully designed new garden that strikes exactly the right tone. I think it will add a comforting element of nature to funeral services.”

The new look garden features a range of carefully chosen plants and shrubs, chosen to offer a peaceful and tranquil setting throughout the year.

Plants include Hostas, Ferns, Short Japanese Acers, African Lily Buddleia, Primroses, Foxgloves, Agapanthus, Oxeye Daisies, ornamental grasses and wild flowers.

There is a new water feature at the garden’s centre, and bird and insect boxes have been installed to attract wildlife.

The garden is surrounded by an evergreen hedge, to help to ensure sounds from visitors in the Astwood Cemetery ground do not carry into the chapel.

Because the garden is designed to complement the atmosphere in the chapel, it is not open to visitors. However, it is hoped volunteers will help to support its upkeep.

Maintenance of the garden is only carried out at the beginning and end of the day, to avoid the times when funeral services are conducted.