Green Flag flies again over University grounds

Judges were impressed by the establishment of a Community Garden on Higher Hooper Lane (off car park B) by members of the Students’ Guild, the University and the local community. Local people also helped plant hedgerows and Redhills Community Primary School helped create a wild flower meadow as part of the Birds and Bees campaign.  Management of our green spaces is of utmost importance, and this year Campus Services was awarded the Environmental Management system ISO14001, highlighting robust policies and procedures in environmental performance.

The University of Exeter’s campuses are acknowledged as the most beautiful and botanically interesting of any UK university. The Streatham Campus is a registered botanic garden and both Exeter campuses display examples of the University’s national collection of Azara (a South American evergreen shrub) and the second collection of the popular garden plant, Heuchera. The grounds also feature high-quality sporting facilities for students, staff and visitors, and a variety of sculptures.

A 31-strong team works on the grounds, nursery and outdoor sports facilities, 365 days a year. The work of the grounds staff includes the care of specialist plant collections, botanical specimen propagation, tree and arboricultural works, pot and bedding plant production, sports playing surface maintenance and award-winning floral decoration works.

Iain Park, Director of Grounds said: “We are delighted to receive the Green Flag award again, and proud that it reflects our dedication to our grounds. This year the team has worked especially hard to re-establish our green spaces and create new areas of planting around our new buildings. A real highlight was the visit of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh– getting our grounds fit for them and the 10,000 people who came to see them meant a great deal of work but showcased our efforts beautifully.”

A record number of 1424 UK sites received the Green Flag Award this year. Any green space in the UK is eligible to win the Green Flag award providing it is freely accessible to the public. 

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.”