Britain in Bloom

The OU’s Walton Hall campus has recently been presented with a Gold Award in the Regional ‘Thames and Chilterns in Bloom, large parks’ category 2023.

‘Britain in Bloom’ is the largest horticultural campaign in the United Kingdom which assesses three core pillars: Horticultural Excellence, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation. As well as the huge amount of preparation and work undertaken by our Grounds Team, the award effort was supported by Estates colleagues and the Go Green Team who shared essential input on the environmental aspects we must consider now and for the future, such as No Mow May and reduced mowing to allow more habitat for our insects and pollinators, so critical to our food supply.

A tremendous achievement and congratulations to the Grounds Team pictured with the Britain in Bloom Judges: Pictured left to right: Britain in Bloom Judge, Michael Gordon, Gareth O'Shiel, Britain in Bloom Judge, Peter Ward, Dan McCarthy, David Cairns, Dean Cobb and Oliver Hanbury.