In a year in which the UK has enjoyed prolonged sunshine, students at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have been able to make the most of award-winning green spaces right on their doorstep, with the campus winning the internationally renowned Green Flag award for a sixth year in succession. 

The Green Flag award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. 

UEA’s 360 acres of campus, which hosts open parkland, bluebell woods and a broad, is home to 5,793 different species of plant and animal, including 108 which are rare or endangered, with the area maintained by UEA’s Grounds and Site team within the Estates division. 

This marks the sixth consecutive year that Green Flag accreditation has been awarded to UEA, and the campus is open to members of the public all year round to enjoy tree walks and views over the UEA Broad.  

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world. 

The University’s students and staff, and members of the public, can take advantage of the high-quality environs of UEA’s campus by walking on one of six Wildlife Trails – which take in campus landmarks such as UEA Broad, Earlham Hall and the famous ziggurats – or heading off on the Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Trail. 

Tom Everett, UEA Landscape Manager said: “It’s always hugely gratifying to receive a Green Flag award, and the dedication of our Grounds and Site team is the reason that it’s possible to receive such an accolade, so all thanks go to them. 

“We’ve had some additional challenges this year, with further lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the greater footfall that’s brought meaning additional maintenance to the grounds. Additionally, the prolonged periods of hot, dry weather we’ve experienced has meant our grounds staff have been busy watering our seasonal floral displays and keeping our newly planted trees hydrated, and ensure our green spaces stay green! 

“But ultimately students, staff and members of the public being able to enjoy the green spaces on our campus is exactly what we want, and it’s fantastic that they’ve been able to do that more often this year.”