University of Salford named as one of the best green spaces in the UK for fifth year running

The Green Flag Award is the international benchmark of high quality and best practice for parks and green spaces. Managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK and around the world.

Salford first received the Green Flag Award in 2019 and has maintained it every year since.

Following a visit back in April, the judges described the campus as “very open and welcoming”. They commented on the cleanliness of the campus, and the “extensive range of facilities” for sports, cycling, and other outdoor activities. The judges also highlighted campus features such as the Community Growing Space, hedgehog houses, swift and bat boxes, the Ignition Living Wall, as well as the Engels' Beard, as a reference to the campus heritage. The Salford Tree Trail once again received an honourable mention.

In their feedback, the judges referred to our Grounds Maintenance Team as “a really passionate and knowledgeable team, who are clearly managing and maintaining the site to a high standard.” 

Marta Strzelecka, Sustainability Engagement Officer at the University, said: “We’re delighted that our beautiful campus has once again been recognised with the Green Flag Award. It’s a real testament to all of the hard work done by the Grounds Maintenance Team, as well as our student and staff volunteers, to keep the campus green and welcoming for all.” 

Commenting on the good news, Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager, Paul Todd added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at the University of Salford in achieving a Green Flag Award. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

A full list of this year’s winners can be found on the Green Flag Award website.