Penryn Campus Retains Green Flag Award for Ninth consecutive Year

July 20, 2026

Penryn University Campus, the campus shared by Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, raises the prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Falmouth Exeter Plus is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Penryn campus. The site has retained this accolade now for its 9th consecutive year.

Stuart Gaslonde, Executive Director at Falmouth Exeter Plus, said:

“It is fantastic to see the Penryn Campus recognised with this award once again. Our grounds and gardens are a much-loved part of campus life, enjoyed by students, staff and visitors throughout the year.

“This achievement reflects the expertise and commitment of the teams who care for these spaces every day. Their work helps make Penryn Campus a special place to study, work and visit, while also supporting our sustainability ambitions, enhancing biodiversity and creating opportunities for people to connect with and enjoy the natural environment.

“My sincere thanks to everyone involved. This award is a reflection of your hard work and dedication and of the pride taken in making Penryn Campus such a special place.”

The Tremough Estate, now known as the Penryn University Campus, spans 100 acres of countryside and combines historic sub-tropical gardens with new landscapes that are open for everyone to enjoy.

Steeped in history, the estate is renowned for its 18th-century Lime Avenue, historic Pinetum, native woodlands and rare rhododendrons first cultivated here during the Victorian era. Visitors can also explore the walled garden, fruit-producing orchard, and Italianate gardens and terraces.

The gardens boast vibrant displays of flowers, shrubs, cacti and succulents. Their quality was recognised at the 2026 Falmouth Spring Flower Show, where the Grounds and Gardens team won two trophies, four gold medals, seven silvers and six bronzes.

New for 2025/2026, and as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, 140+ trees have been planted across campus, including a new orchard of Cornish apple varieties near the wooden walkway below AMATA and Japanese cherry trees to celebrate UK–Japan friendship.

Wildflower areas have also been expanded and enhanced to increase biodiversity and support local wildlife. Much of this work has been made possible through the support of students, staff and volunteers, whose contributions continue to help the grounds thrive.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: 

“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“Falmouth Exeter Plus has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

“Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.