The University of Birmingham is flying the flag as one of the UK's very best green spaces

The University’s Edgbaston campus has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best green spaces in the world.

The University is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The University is famous for its green and leafy campus, which will soon be further enhanced by the development of a 12 acre Green Heart, opening the campus up for staff, students and the wider community.

Head of Grounds and Gardens David O’Driscoll said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for first time.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to students, staff and our local community, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining the campus to such a high standard. I’d personally like to thank our superb grounds and gardening team and all the other contributors who have made this award happen. I know that this is just the start for the University, as we look forward to the development and completion of our Green Heart.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

For further information, please contact Sally Xerri-Brooks, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, University of Birmingham, +44 (0)121 414 3984 / +44 (0)7812671797

Measuring over 12 acres, the Green Heart project will open up the centre of campus for students, staff and the local community to enjoy. It will provide a unique space for performances, socialising, meeting and studying, while opening up views across the whole campus, as envisaged in the 1920s. The space will also enhance the setting of those buildings which border the Green Heart, including the new Library which opened in September 2016. It will open up new pedestrian and cycle routes, allowing students, staff and visitors to the campus to travel safely and with ease. Throughout the design process, the project team have also sought to create a sustainable, natural and environmentally friendly landscape; both for people and wildlife.

The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Department of Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens and the National Housing Federation.

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We campaign for quality parks and green spaces for everyone, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and to live more. We are run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches. 

Any green space that is accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.