Coventry University Receives Special Recognition For Groundbreaking ‘Urban Greening’ Of Its City‑Centre Campus

Starley Gardens Coventry University Green Flag Award‑winning campus wins this year’s Best Climate Change Adaptation category in environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy’s Best of the Best awards for its vision to tackle climate change

Staff and students at Coventry University are celebrating after scooping an award for work to transform its once‑concrete, city centre campus into a green oasis.

The scheme, which saw the demolition of two outdated buildings to make way for green space on the site, has reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality and ‘cooled’ the surrounding area, as well as establishing new habitats for wildlife and increasing biodiversity.

The new green spaces provide ecosystem benefits, as they absorb pollutants in air, store and remove carbon, slow rainwater run‑off and help to stabilise urban temperatures and humidity. They also feature:

  • biodiversity‑friendly plants, including wildflowers and fruit trees to support local wildlife
  • pollinator hubs – essential habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
  • edible gardens open to all, offering fresh, locally‑sourced produce.
  • tranquil areas for relaxation and social gatherings

The removal of the buildings has eliminated around 5,000m2 of impermeable concrete, replacing it with areas that can soak up rainfall, supporting sustainable urban drainage, helping surface water to be retained and absorbed rather than running off and raising the risk of flash flooding events.

The replacement of the concrete with green features, which have a cooling and shading effect to reduce the temperature of the air and the ground, has also led to a reduction in the ‘urban heat island’ effect.

Academic colleagues are already utilising the high‑quality green spaces, with the School of Art and Design creating an outdoor “stage” for their end‑of‑year drama fashion exhibition shows. Historically, these shows were hosted inside buildings, behind closed doors.



Green Flag Award Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “These impressive new green spaces have not only transformed the campus but have also become a valuable asset to the wider community. We were impressed to learn they now host a variety of cultural events, educational activities and community gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

“Parks are a crucial part of this country’s green infrastructure, providing free opportunities to access physical and mental health benefits even in the most built‑up urban environments.

“Coventry University Campus's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility sets a shining example for institutions worldwide. By embracing innovative green solutions, they have created a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”

The project has already won a number of other awards, including the DEFRA Bees’ Needs Champions Award 2023 and Bronze and Silver Hedgehog Friendly Campus Awards, and has played host to a number of events for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, which has developed volunteer opportunities and an events programme, delivering themed events using national initiatives, such as the RSPB’s Big Bird Watch and Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

The university was among a record‑breaking 2,227 parks and green spaces to achieve the Green Flag Award – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces – this year, with successful submissions from local authorities and other land managers across the country for a range of sites, from world‑famous city parks to small, local green spaces.

University Square Gardens - Coventry University Square Gardens - Coventry.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Best of the Best Awards recognise the unsung heroes behind the success of these beautiful green spaces, selected by an expert jury.

This year’s full list of winners have been announced as:

  • Best Climate Change Adaptation – Coventry University, West Midlands
  • Increase Use by Women and Girls - Van Ward Allotments (Wales)
  • Best Biodiversity / Habitat Creation project - Hope Coppice, Solihull, West Midlands
  • Best Health Initiative - Queens Park, Crewe, Cheshire
  • Best Promotion of Heritage Value - The Penllergare Trust (Wales)
  • Employee of the Year – Theresa Heal, Ynys Hwel farm allotment (Wales)
  • Volunteer of the Year – joint winners: Brian Quinn, Friends of Rotten Row, Southport, Sefton, and Anne Macauley, Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens, Northern Ireland
  • Team of Year – Park Staff: Joint winners – Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, and Wirral Country Park, Merseyside
  • Volunteer Team of the Year England: Friends of Dothill and Shawbirch LNR, Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire
  • Volunteer Team of the Year NI: Donaghmore Horticultural Community, Northern Ireland
  • Volunteer Team of the Year Wales: Friends of Wern Mynach, Wales
  • Young Volunteer‑ Duke of Edinburgh Volunteers, Maes Y Pant woods, Wales

The ceremony took place on 14th November - you can watch it below:-

For more details about the awards and the winners, visit www.greenflagaward.org