Greg James reclaims UEA and Norfolk in BBC Radio 1’s Giant Face Off – just in time for the University’s ninth Green Flag honour
By: Communications
It was a week of double triumph at the University of East Anglia as alumnus and BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James reclaimed his former stomping ground in the station’s Giant Face Off – just as UEA was awarded its ninth consecutive Green Flag Award for excellence in green spaces.
Listeners swarmed the Norwich campus on Wednesday in search of two hidden flags, part of a nationwide challenge between breakfast presenter Greg and drivetime presenter Jamie Laing.
The first to find them outside the Sportspark was 25-year-old Josh Fryer, a carpenter from Hethersett, who boldly chose the Team Jamie flag, temporarily handing Norfolk over to the Chelsea charmer.
But Greg, who launched his radio career at UEA’s student Livewire1350 station and graduated in Drama in 2007, wasn’t about to let that slide.
In a 24-hour chance to regain lost territories, he quickly chose to snatch back the site that has a special place in his heart.
“I’m gonna recapture my old university, that’s the one that hurt the most,” he declared, before swooping in to reclaim UEA and Norfolk for Team Greg.
To mark the moment, Greg’s flag was proudly hoisted on campus – a fleeting symbol of victory before being replaced by something even more prestigious: the University’s ninth consecutive Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is a sign to the public that the University’s 360-acre campus boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Open to the public year-round, the University’s beautiful grounds offer scenic tree walks and stunning views across the UEA Broad.
Tom Everett, UEA’s Landscape Manager, said: “Earning the Green Flag Award once again is a proud moment for the whole team. It’s a clear sign that we continue to care deeply for our campus and its open spaces – making sure they’re welcoming, well-kept, and safe for everyone to enjoy.
“It’s always a brilliant recognition of the dedication and passion our Grounds and Site team bring to their work every day.
“We’re incredibly lucky to be custodians of such a rich and varied landscape – from historic parkland and wildflower meadows to fen, marsh, and woodland.
“With seven county wildlife sites and the River Yare running through our campus, UEA is not just a place to study – it’s a living, breathing environment that we’re proud to protect and enhance.”
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