Uni campus scoops a Green Flag award
First time the university has won it
LOUGHBOROUGH University has received the sought-after Green Flag Award for its vibrant campus, marking it out as one of the nation’s best green spaces.
The international accolade, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that a space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Loughborough has one of the largest single-site campuses in the country at 175 hectares (433 acres) – three-quarters of which is green.
It offers great facilities for all aspects of student and community life, with plenty of open space, gardens and sports areas.
Throughout the campus there are many wellmaintained lawn areas decorated with flowers and shrubs, which provide perfect locations to sit and study, talk with friends, or simply just relax.
There are also more than 7,500 trees on campus – not counting those in the two ancient woodlands – and specially des-
ignated and protected wildlife areas.
Loughborough University was among the recordbreaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces announced as the latest Green Flag Award recipients.
The university’s Senior Gardener, Rachel Senior, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the first time.
“We know how much quality green spaces matter to students, staff, residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into main-
taining Loughborough University to such a high standard.
“The award is testimony to the hard work and dedication of many people on campus.”
The University is to celebrate its achievement later this year with an official flag-raising ceremony.
Sustainability Manager Jo Shields commented: “This award provides external recognition that our Loughborough campus has been recognised for its approach to land management.
“It confirms that we are operating an open and welcoming space for our community and that we maintain that space to an exceptionally high standard.
“The criteria to achieve this award is comprehensive and a great deal of work has gone into obtaining this well-deserved accreditation.
“It is a great achievement for the Grounds and Gardens team and the campus, and one to be proud of.”
Kaz Setchell, Gardens Manager, added: “Our campus is one we should be proud of and this award truly reflects this.”