University of York’s green spaces recognised as among the country’s finest

Posted on 20 October 2021

The University of York’s campus has been recognised with a Green Flag Award - a scheme that highlights and rewards the most well-maintained parks and green spaces.

It is the ninth consecutive year the University has picked up the prestigious accolade. Photo credit: University of York/John Houlihan.

The award, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is recognised for setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Both Campus West and East have been recognised for including important open spaces in York, accessible and enjoyed by the local public.

Evolving landscape

Both the lakeside campuses are home to an abundance of wildlife, and an evolving landscape designed to provide a beautiful, tranquil environment for work and study, and a habitat capable of supporting an increasingly diverse range of animals and plants.

Gordon Eastham, Grounds Manager at the University of York, said: “This award reflects the skill and hard work which the grounds staff put into maintaining a 500-acre estate year in and year out. The 2020/21 award is particularly gratifying since it has been achieved despite the limitations imposed due to Covid-19.

“It has been possible only because grounds staff have continued to attend campus as normal throughout the pandemic to make sure the campus remains an attractive green space for students, staff and the local community to enjoy and benefit from. Much has been made over the duration of the pandemic about the importance of outdoor space in relation to people's mental health and wellbeing, and the University campus is an important example of this.”

Heritage

In addition to the Green Flag Award, the campus has also been awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation. This award is given to recognise the heritage features of York’s campus, including the King's Manor.

“The accreditation indicates we have achieved the required standard in the management and interpretation of a site with local or national historic importance,” Gordon added.