Crematorium’s secret weapon to maintain its beautiful grounds
Charing Crematorium has revealed the ‘secret weapon’ helping to ensure its landscaped grounds look beautiful and welcoming for visitors – some locally-based alpacas!
The crematorium has started fertilising its gardens using waste from animals at the nearby Alpaca Annie farm in Romney Marsh.
It all came about because the crematorium’s memorial advisor Amy Rodger used to work for Alpaca Annie, and still volunteers there from time to time.
She said: “I was speaking with our team leader of grounds, Josh Ballard, about how beneficial alpaca waste is for roses, and after doing some research himself, he asked if I could contact the farm and arrange to buy some.
“The manager there was very kind and we were delighted when they offered to donate extra bags alongside any that we purchased.”
Charing Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 41 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
Like all sites within Westerleigh Group, Charing Crematorium tries to be as kind to the climate and environment as possible.
Amy added: “Because alpacas have strong digestive systems, their waste is considered more organic than cow or horse fertiliser, which means it will be better for the plants and flowers overall.
“Also, it is very light-weight, and doesn’t have a very strong smell, so it will not be off-putting for our visitors.”
She said she hopes that one day those visitors may also include the alpaca themselves!
“Ideally, we would love to welcome them here for one of our open days.”
Alpaca Annie was founded in 2009 and now offers one of the UK’s top animal experiences, with ‘meet and greet’ events and trekking.
The alpaca are sheared once a year and the resulting fleece is turned into sweaters, socks and other items, which are available from the farm shop.
To find out more about Alpaca Annie, visit: www.alpacaannie.com and to find out more about Charing Crematorium, the many services it offers and the exceptional care and support provided by its team, visit: www.charing-crematorium.co.uk