Blooming good results for Grounds and Gardens
Last updated on 17 October 2019
The University campus has been awarded a gold accolade for its outstanding grounds and gardens at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
The award signifies the comprehensive approach we take to incorporate sustainability, promote wildlife habitats and create a cohesive environment across the campus. The success of the Living Lab projects incorporated with planting and pond schemes was also acknowledged, alongside our innovative approach towards biodiversity.
The Judges commented: “The University campus was a pleasure to visit. The grounds are well-maintained and used as a Living Lab by the various onsite faculties. All plantings are measured using an innovative biodiversity standard to optimise any new landscape features during the planting stage. Successful examples are the maturing and very colourful Charles Morris Garden, The Roger Stevens Pond, The Laidlaw Library Roof Garden and the interactive sensory garden. The presence of a low maintenance urban wildlife garden with an apiary on site located at the centre of campus, reinforces the university’s commitment to raising awareness and implementation of biodiversity considerations. An art trail, walking route and a significant level of interpretation, encourage the casual visitor to explore what is a well presented clean and tidy campus.”
Each of the award entries is assessed against three criteria sections, horticulture, environment and community. The University scored 86 out of a possible 100 which qualified the team for a Gold award signifying excellence of work.
The award also came at a fitting time for two colleagues in the team, as James Wright, Grounds and Gardens Team Leader explains: “We were delighted to receive this award, it’s incredibly rewarding to have our hard work and commitment acknowledged through Yorkshire in Bloom. We work closely with colleagues in sustainability and other colleagues in Estates to ensure we create great spaces for bringing environmental benefits as well as wellbeing benefits to all users of our campus. The Grounds and Gardens team are made up of colleagues with varied experience in this field. Indeed we have been celebrating two of our colleagues,Sam Robinson who has recently successfully completed his apprenticeship at the University and now has a full time position within the team, and Frank Dods, our longest serving member of the team with over 25 years at the University. It’s a real honour to celebrate this achievement with all the team, who collectively give so much each day to creating a well presented and welcoming campus.”
RHS Britain in Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in Europe and each year it grows in size and importance and involves more people, groups and organisations creating lasting improvements to local environments.
You might also like…
HELIX: New space for digital innovation complete
Maintenance team critical to success of Climate Plan
