Green Flags to fly over Exeter campuses once again

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

This is the second year running that the St Luke’s Campus has been awarded the Green Flag status and the fourth consecutive year for the Streatham Campus.

The Green Flag is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. 

A 31-strong team works on the grounds, nursery and outdoor sports facilities, all year round. It demonstrates the skill of these staff and the care of the University that despite ongoing development its Green Legacy is continually protected and enhanced.

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.

Iain Park, Director of Grounds at the University of Exeter said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Green Flag Awards; it is great to see the hard work carried out by our grounds staff recognised in this way.

“We know how much the University’s campus grounds are enjoyed by students, staff and visitors alike, who enjoy the combination of plants and open spaces that have been nurtured and developed by the University over the years.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy. Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

Flag raising ceremonies to celebrate the achievement will be taking place on both St Luke’s and Streatham campuses on Monday 11 August.