Kent’s Canterbury campus has been awarded Green Flag status for the first time, recognising the care and commitment that goes into managing one of the country’s most distinctive university campuses.
Presented by Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for well-managed outdoor spaces. It is awarded to sites that demonstrate high standards of environmental management, biodiversity, accessibility, safety and visitor experience.
Spread across more than 300 acres overlooking Canterbury, the campus combines teaching and research facilities with ancient woodland, parkland, ponds and landscaped gardens. The award recognises the important role it plays in education, research, wellbeing, wildlife conservation and community life.
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Kent, said:
“Our campus is one of the defining features of the University of Kent. It is where education, research, nature and community all come together in a truly distinctive setting.
“Being awarded Green Flag status for the first time is a fantastic milestone. It reflects the dedication of colleagues across the University who work every day to ensure our campus is welcoming, sustainable and cared for to the highest standards.
“Whether you’re a student, member of staff, or visitor, we want everyone to enjoy everything our campus has to offer – you are always welcome. This award is a tribute to the people whose care and commitment make that possible, and I hope everyone involved feels immensely proud of this recognition.”
Judges described the campus as an “outdoor classroom”, recognising its value for teaching and research alongside recreation and biodiversity. They also praised its mature landscape, historic setting and the University’s long-term approach to caring for the estate.
The assessment highlighted projects including the Kent Community Oasis Garden, improvements to walking routes and accessibility, and conservation work to protect habitats and heritage features such as the historic Crab and Winkle Tunnel. It also recognised the University’s work to create connected habitats, enhance biodiversity and help the landscape adapt to a changing climate.
More than 15,000 students study at the Canterbury campus, around 2,000 staff are based there, and thousands of visitors enjoy its sports facilities, cafés, walking and cycling routes, the Gulbenkian Arts Centre and extensive open spaces throughout the year.
Catherine Morris, Sustainability Manager at the University of Kent, said:
“This award reflects the work of colleagues across the University, many of whom work behind the scenes every day to make our campus welcoming, safe, beautiful and environmentally sustainable.
“From maintaining our grounds and supporting biodiversity to improving accessibility, protecting our historic landscape and creating opportunities for students, staff and visitors to enjoy the campus, this achievement reflects the care, expertise and pride colleagues bring to their work.
“We’re delighted to have achieved Green Flag status for the first time and hope everyone who studies, works or visits the University enjoys the campus as much as we enjoy looking after it.”
The award reflects the contribution of colleagues from across the University, including Landscape & Grounds, Maintenance, Facilities Management, Sustainability, Health & Safety, Security, Transport, Kent Sport, the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, the Kent Community Oasis Garden, and External Engagement and Communications.
The recognition comes as the Green Flag Award scheme celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
“The University of Kent has shown what can be achieved when green spaces are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to places like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved.”