University’s ‘Edible Campus’ gets special recognition from national scheme.

A recently created garden space at Coventry University’s city centre campus has received a Special Award for Innovation from the Green Flag Award Scheme, which is run by leading environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The university’s Edible Campus is one of just nine inspirational parks and green areas in the UK – and the only university space – to achieve the award, which is presented to Green Flag Award or Community Award winning sites that show that they have made changes which have brought outstanding benefits to both their site and the local community.

The Edible Campus was created to make use of an underused part of the university grounds, which now boasts nectar rich plants as well as recognisable and less common vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.

Following the Green Flag Award judges visit to the Edible Campus, Stephen Beasley, the University’s Grounds and Distribution manager, said: “We’re delighted to see our ‘Edible Campus’ being recognised nationally by the Green Flag Award Scheme. While we work hard to ensure that we have the best learning facilities at our university we also believe it’s important to create a pleasant environment for all those who come here. That was the thinking was behind the creation of our Edible Campus and we’re really pleased to see that it’s proved popular with students, staff and visitors alike.”

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme manager added: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Edible Campus, a worthy winner of the Special Innovation Award. Research has proved that quality parks and green spaces play a vital role within their local communities. Coventry University’s Edible Campus is a perfect example of how our green spaces can positively contribute to the local environment and bring the community together.”