Plenty of people enjoyed the Friends of University’s Park’s annual Picnic in the Park in the Millennium Garden.

Entertainment included the sounds of the Newstead Band, Bakersfield Birds of Prey, face painting, rocket making, a digital art stall, pond dipping and more.

The event came just days after the University was awarded a record-breaking 10th consecutive Green Flag Award. The 330-acre campus made Nottingham the first university to bag a Green Flag back in 2003 — and the University has been racking them up ever since. The national award scheme recognises and rewards the UK’s best public and community parks and green spaces.

More than 800 volunteers were involved in assessing the nominated green spaces against a stringent set of criteria, including how welcoming the space is, community involvement, conservation and sustainability.

Desmond O’Grady, Grounds Manager, said: “The maintenance and improvement of the University grounds is a huge team effort between the Estates Office, Friends of University Park and grounds staff. A lot of help also comes from student volunteers. This ensures that our grounds are welcoming, and we’ve worked hard to build strong community partnerships with organisations like Nottingham City Council and East Midlands in Bloom.”

Friends of University Park organises events throughout the year. For information, call Mr O’Grady on: 0115 951 3649 or visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/sustainability/grounds/friendsofuniversitypark.aspx