The University of Winchester is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for its King Alfred campus for the third year running.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces marks its 30th year.
The campus is one of a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – that figure includes 35 universities.
In addition to colourful flower beds and neatly trimmed hedges and lawns, the campus has a wild side. As part of the University’s Biodiversity Action Plan, recent years have seen the creation of wildlife ponds, wildflower areas and native hedgerows. Nature friendly features include bird boxes, hedgehog homes and wood stacks for beetles and insects.
In recent years allotment plots have been installed at Holm Lodge for use by staff and students.
Visitors to the campus regularly comment on its attractive flower beds and welcoming green spaces.
The Green Flag Award Feedback Report for the University stated that it had: “…created a welcoming, safe and well-managed campus that demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and continuous improvement. The management plan is comprehensive and is clearly reflected in the standards observed during the site visit, with environmental management and waste reduction being particular strengths.”
The University’s commitment to battery-powered equipment reducing emissions, fuel storage, noise and vibration while improving operator welfare was praised as were the “fantastic” staff and student engagement programmes.
It concluded: “The University should be commended for the high standards achieved, and the site is considered worthy of retaining the Green Flag Award.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “The University of Winchester has shown what can be achieved when public green spaces are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
Maurice James, Estates Grounds Manager at the University praised his hardworking team: “The Environmental and Grounds Teams are to be congratulated for their continuing effort and dedication in maintaining their high standards for all to enjoy.”
The Green Flag Award Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups.
To find out more visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.
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