Green flag award
The University of York has once again been awarded the Green Flag for it's 500 acre estate. This year is the 7th year running we have been successful and for the first time this year we have been awarded a Green Heritage Site status too.A green space is never really finished, it needs to reflect and respond to the changing needs of its users, whilst retaining its character. The Green Flag Award looks for continual improvement, hence it's strapline ‘raising the standard’
Successful sites have to show that they manage a quality space with a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve, why, and who they seek to serve.
The judging process can either be done by a 'secret shopper' or a visit by 2 Green flag award judges. We are then judged against 27 different criteria and must submit an up to date management plan, showing that we understand the users who they are, who they could be, what they want, how they are informed and involved.
During a visit the judges take the opportunity to ask the views of campus users and the grounds staff for their views on what is special about the campus, it's history, the biodiversity, landscape amenities and the social and physical setting.
A good standard of horticultural
management is required in line
with recognised horticultural practice that plants and trees are in good condition everywhere and clearly
looked after. We also submit our management plan which can be seen on our webpage. Landscape management plan
Each site that enters, whether or not it achieves the Green Flag Award Standard, receives a detailed advisory report written by two expert judges – helping to share, recognise and reward good practice across the sector
Green flag award criteria-
A Welcoming Place,
Healthy, Safe and Secure,
Well Maintained and Clean
Environmental Management Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage,
Community Involvement,
Marketing and Communication,
Management.
Green heritage site
CONDITION OF HISTORIC FEATURES
Good Conservation Standards
- Relevance of the Conservation and Management Plans to what they see evidenced.
- Practical conservation work carried out to high standards (e.g. repointing).
- Staff, contractors and volunteers understand the conservation standards and work to them.
Historic features given prominence
- Historic features are a celebrated part of the landscape, whether that be subliminally or overtly.
- Historic features are regarded as an integral part of the site operation as a whole, not boxed off or hidden
Restoration / re-creation of landscape features- Evidence that what has been identified in the Conservation Plan has been put into practice on the ground in accordance with the Plan.
- Good quality outcome - demonstrated through the finish, use of materials, reflection of original design features.
