The 8.5 acre grounds of the Havant Oaks crematorium are now home to the most diverse range of mammals and invertebrates.
Colleagues at The Oaks Crematorium Havant have worked hard to make the grounds and their surroundings more wildlife friendly since it opened nearly a decade ago.
Thanks to advice and monitoring from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the latest report shows the highest species diversity recorded since surveys began.
According to the report, carried out by Arcadian Ecology: "The wildflower meadow and mound has shown vast improvement over the years, with a diverse range of grasses and wildflower species that can support both small mammals and invertebrates."
A total of fifty-five species were recorded in the meadow in 2022 including twelve species of butterflies - two varieties the Essex Skipper and the Clouded Yellow not previously recorded on site.
There were also four species of bumblebees, six bat species and five species of Orthoptera such as grasshoppers and crickets.
The report noted a 112.2% increase in Orthoptera numbers since the last count in 2020 which indicates ‘good structural and botanical species diversity on site to support these invertebrates'.
Southern Co-op’s Gemma Lacey said: "With nature in decline, supporting its recovery is vital and our natural environment is extremely important in our efforts to combat climate change. This is just one of several sites where we have been enhancing opportunities for wildlife alongside supporting the Wildlife Trust with its Wilder Portsmouth and Wilder Wight initiatives which are helping create more space for wildlife in our cities, towns and neighbourhoods.
"Together we hope nature will continue to thrive as well as providing a calming environment at The Oaks for people to remember their loved ones."
The Oaks Crematorium will continue to make environmental enhancements in it’s grounds as well as in the neighbouring woodland which will hopefully see even greater opportunities for the local wildlife.