University of Exeter’s campuses named as two of the best in the country

The University of Exeter’s Streatham and St Luke’s campuses are among the record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award.

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

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

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

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 St Luke’s Campus has a variety of formal landscapes such as the quad, which includes picnic tables and benches for relaxation, along with seasonal floral displays, herbaceous borders, shrubberies, areas for sport and recreation and specific features for wildlife.

Both campuses are open for everyone to enjoy and organised tours are also available for those wanting to learn more about the specific collections on display and how the grounds have developed since the 19th century, when some of the first planting took place.

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. As well as taking practical steps to enhance biodiversity, the team also work with wildlife experts to provide opportunities for local schools and the local community to find out about nature on the University’s campuses.

Director of Grounds, Iain Park said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive two Green Flag Awards this year and hope the local community, our students and staff will continue to enjoy the green spaces we provide in Exeter. We are committed to maintaining our campuses to the highest quality.”

The record number of awards across the country means more people than ever before will have access to well-managed, quality green space, which is vital to people’s health and wellbeing.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd 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 hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”