University’s Green Flag status celebrated at special event on UWTSD’s Lampeter campus

26 September 2023

Staff and students came together at UWTSD’s Lampeter campus last week for a special event to celebrate the University’s new Green Flag status.

Professor Elwen Evans and Owen Derbyshire (Keep Wales Tidy) alongside representatives of the UWTSD Estates and Facilities department smile for the camera in the Arts Hall, Lampeter.

During the event, held in the Arts Hall on the Lampeter Campus, a Green Flag plaque was unveiled by Professor Elwen Evans KC, Vice-Chancellor and Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive at Keep Wales Tidy.

UWTSD becomes only the third university in Wales to achieve Green Flag status. The University received the award following an assessment which included a detailed review of the documented management of the estate grounds processes and approaches to the land management. Particular attention was given to sustainable practice and the biodiversity and eco-systems action plan.

Kelly Williams, Executive Head of Operational Estates and Facilities at UWTSD, commented:

“I am absolutely delighted to see the Green Flag fly on our beautiful campuses. The teams that are responsible for maintaining our amazing environments can be proud of this achievement and it marks efforts that can sometimes go unnoticed.

Through this award, we can demonstrate how important the campus environments are to the local biodiversity and eco-systems and how we are contributing positively to Ceredigion’s biodiversity action plans.”

Professor Elwen Evans applauds while Owen Derbyshire smiles during the event.

Professor Elwen Evans KC, Vice-Chancellor at UWTSD, said:

“Our grounds and surroundings are a vital part of what is so special about our University. I would like to congratulate and thank all of the staff who make such an exceptional contribution to the maintenance of our campuses.

“We have made a significant investment over the last few years so as to create a sustainable and welcoming environment for all of our students, staff and visitors. Our aim is to ensure that facilities and green spaces support and enhance the teaching and learning environment and put students and community at its heart.”

Now in its third decade, the Green Flag Award recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said:

“Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. All our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that UWTSD’s Lampeter and Carmarthen campuses have both achieved Green Flag Awards is testament to the university’s incredible team of grounds staff. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”